Swing Training Apparatus for Sports Activities

Swing training devices help individuals improve their swinging technique in various sports. For example, swing training devices can provide a structured and focused approach to practicing different hitting techniques and to developing proper swinging mechanics while enhancing power, accuracy, and overall performance. Such devices are available for different sports such as baseball, softball, golf, tennis, and more. These devices often incorporate specialized features or mechanisms to assist users in honing their swing mechanics. Common types of swing training devices include batting tees, swing trainers, swing analyzers, and impact bags.

A batting tee is a stand with an adjustable height that holds a baseball or softball in place. A batting tee allows hitters to practice their swing mechanics by hitting the stationary ball off the tec. Batting tees are widely used for baseball and softball training to work on proper swing path, hand-eye coordination, and timing; however, batting tees do not allow hitters to practice without interrupting each batting session to reset the ball onto the tee thereby obscuring hitter focus. Swing trainers are devices designed to provide feedback and assistance in refining swing mechanics without the use of a target or ball. Swing trainers often feature additional elements attached to the swing device (e.g., bat, racquet, club, etc.). Such additional elements can include weighted attachments, flexible shafts, or resistance bands to help users develop muscle memory, strength, and improve swing mechanics. However, such devices do not provide the ability to hit a target, such as a ball, under realistic conditions, as one or more attachments are generally attached to the swing device.

Swing analyzers are high-tech devices that utilize sensors or motion tracking technology to capture and analyze data about a player's swing. Swing analyzers provide detailed insights into swing metrics such as swing speed, swing path, and angle of attack. Such analyzers often connect to smartphones or tablets, allowing users to view and analyze their swing data for performance improvement. While swing analyzers can provide valuable information about a hitter's swing mechanics, such analyzers do not allow hitters to repeatedly practice hitting without interrupting a hitter's focus. Impact bags are large, durable bags filled with padding or foam. They are commonly used by hitters to strike during practice swings. Impact bags help hitters develop a better sense of proper impact position, clubface control, and follow-through. However, impact bags do not allow a hitter to practice using under realistic hitting conditions, as impact bags can reduce realistic follow-through mechanics present in most swings.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that examples have been described. Although relatively specific problems have been discussed, the examples described herein should not be limited to solving the problems identified in the background above.

In view of the preceding background, it is, therefore, an object of the present disclosure to provide a swing training apparatus that provides the ability to improve hand-eye coordination, hand/hitting object speed, and other attributes necessary to improve consistency and effectiveness in contacting a traveling object, such as a ball, with a hitting object, such as a bat or racquet. These and other objects, features, and advantages are provided by a swing training apparatus that allows a hitter to better track a traveling object while teaching or otherwise training the hitter to keep their eyes fixed on the traveling object. Accordingly, by utilizing the swing training apparatus, a hitter can focus on timing, patience, contact placement, and the response of the hitting object contacting the traveling object in an ideal location. In examples, by utilizing a swing training apparatus as described herein, a hitter can practice hitting a traveling object in alternative locations to discover how the traveling object will react, thereby giving the hitter an opportunity to learn how to control the response of the traveling object as a result of being hit by the hitting object.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a swing training apparatus is described. The swing training apparatus can include a motor, a clutch assembly coupled to the motor, and a swing arm coupled to the clutch assembly via a swing arm shaft in proximity to a first end of the swing arm, wherein a second end of the swing arm is coupled to a sports object and wherein the swing arm is configured to rotate about an axis corresponding to the swing arm shaft. In some examples, the clutch of the swing training apparatus is configured to allow rotation of the swing arm shaft in a first direction and provide resistance to the rotation of the swing arm shaft in an opposite second direction. In some examples, the sports object is coupled to the swing arm using an interchangeable pitch manipulation insert. In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insert includes a rigid member coupling the swing arm to the sports object. In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insert includes a flexible member suspending the sports object from the swing arm. In some examples, the motor is disposed below the swing arm and between the swing arm and a surface on which the swing training apparatus is positioned. In some examples, the swing training apparatus includes a bearing sleeve disposed in an aperture of a first platform, and a second platform disposed below the first platform. In some examples, a motor shaft of the motor is disposed through an aperture in the second platform and is coupled to the clutch assembly coupling the swing arm shaft to the motor shaft. In some examples, the swing arm shaft is disposed in the bearing sleeve such that the swing arm is above the first platform. In some examples, the swing training apparatus includes a plurality of wheels coupled to a jack assembly, wherein the jack assembly is configured to raise or lower the second platform.

In some examples, the swing training apparatus includes a counterweight disposed at the first end of the swing arm. In some examples, the swing training apparatus includes an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a distance between the sports object and a surface on which the swing training apparatus is positioned. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism is configured to cause the swing arm to pivot about a swing arm pivot axis. In some examples, the pivot axis is orthogonal to the swing arm shaft and the swing arm. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism is coupled to the first end of the swing arm. In some examples, the swing training apparatus includes a motor controller configured to adjust a speed at which a motor shaft of the motor rotates.

In some examples, the sports object is a baseball, softball, or tennis ball.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, a swing training apparatus is described. The swing training apparatus can include a motor, a clutch assembly coupled to the motor, a swing arm coupled to the clutch assembly via a swing arm shaft in proximity to a first end of the swing arm, wherein a second end of the swing arm is coupled to a sports object and wherein the swing arm is configured to rotate about an axis corresponding to the swing arm shaft. The swing training apparatus can include a bearing sleeve disposed in an aperture of a first platform and a second platform disposed below the first platform. In some examples, a motor shaft of the motor is disposed through an aperture in the second platform and is coupled to the clutch assembly coupling the swing arm shaft to the motor shaft, where the swing arm shaft is disposed in the bearing sleeve such that the swing arm is above the first platform. In some examples, the swing training apparatus can include an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a distance between the sports object and a surface on which the swing training apparatus is positioned, where the adjustment mechanism is configured to cause the swing arm to pivot about a swing arm pivot axis. In some examples, the sports object is coupled to the swing arm using an interchangeable pitch manipulation insert.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and which are shown by way of an illustrations specific examples. These aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the present disclosure. Examples may be practiced as methods, systems, and/or in accordance with swing training apparatus structures. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

depicts details of a swing training apparatusin accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The swing training apparatuscan include an interchangeable traveling object, such as but not limited to a baseball, softball, tennis ball, etc., coupled to a swing arm. As the swing armrotates around an axis, a hittercan practice hitting the traveling objectusing a hitting device, such as a bat. The hitting device can include but is not limited to a bat, racket, or otherwise, that can be used in realistic game playing conditions. For example, the batcan be used during a baseball game, thereby offering the hitteran accurate practice, or drill, most similar to those conditions experienced during the course of gameplay. In accordance with some examples, a rotational shaft of the swing armof the swing training apparatuscan be coupled to a motor. The motorcan be directly coupled to the rotational shaft of the swing arm. In some examples, and as will be described, a clutch assembly can reside between the motorand the rotational shaft of the swing armsuch that when contact by a hitting object, such as a bat, is made to the traveling object, such as a ball, the swing armand clutch assembly can absorb a portion of the impact and rotate in an opposite direction to the direction in which it was originally rotating around the axis. That is, the clutch assembly allows repeated disengagement of the swing armfrom the motorupon a strike, or hit, and re-engagement after a strike or a hit.

depict additional details of a swing training apparatusin accordance with examples of the present disclosure. As depicted in, a motorcan be coupled to a shaftof the swing armvia a clutch assemblyand a bearing sleeve. In examples, the clutch assemblyand the bearing sleevecan be positioned above the motorand below the swing arm. However, other configurations and locations of the clutch assemblyand the bearing sleeveare contemplated. In examples, the swing armcan rotate around an axis, where the axiscan be coaxial with the bearing sleeve. That is, the swing arm shaft, disposed within the bearing sleeve, rotates around the axis.

In accordance with some examples of the present disclosure, the traveling object, such as a ball, can be coupled to the swing armusing an interchangeable pitch manipulation insert. In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan provide a rigid connection between the traveling objectand the swing arm. For example, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be rigid rod or tube. In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be less rigid or more flexible in one or more dimensions such that the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan flex when a bat makes contact or otherwise strikes the ball. Following the strike of the ball, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan return the ball to a pre-strike location.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, the swing armcan include a counterbalance assemblyutilized to balance or otherwise offset the effect of the torque caused by the swing armwith respect to the axis. That is, in the context of the swing arm, torque is generated when a force, such as the mass of the traveling object, is applied perpendicular to the swing armat a certain distance from the axisof rotation. The magnitude of torque is determined by multiplying the force applied to the swing armby the distance between the force and the axis of rotation, such as axis. Thus, the counterbalance assemblycan be utilized to offset or otherwise minimize the effect of the torque caused by the length of the swing armand the mass of the traveling object.

In accordance with some examples of the present disclosure, the swing armcan be adjusted such that the traveling objectremains at or is otherwise close to a desired height, or distance, from a surface, such as the ground. In some examples, and as will be described with respect to, a height, or distance, of the traveling object can be adjusted by pivoting the swing armabout an adjustment axis. In some instances, the swing armcan be adjusted to increase a distance from the ground of the traveling objector decrease a distance from the ground of the traveling object. Thus, as the swing armmoves in accordance with a path of rotationthat is around and based on the axis, the traveling objectcan pass over an object, such as a home plate, at a desired height.

In accordance with examples of the present disclosure, the swing training apparatuscan include a standcomprising one or more legscoupled to one or more platformsand. The platformcan include an aperture through which a shaft of the motorpasses. Thus, the motorcan be connected to or otherwise mounted to the platform. In some examples, the platformcan include an aperture through which the bearing sleevecan pass. Thus, the bearing sleevecan be mounted to or otherwise disposed within the aperture of the platform. Accordingly, the swing arm shaftcan rotate within the bearing sleeve. Although depicted as including four legs, other configurations of the standare contemplated. For example, the standcan include three legs instead of four legs. In some examples, only a single platform may be included.

In some examples, the motorcan be any type of motor capable of providing a rotating axis. For example, the motorcan be a brushed DC motor, a brushless DC motor, an induction motor, a synchronous motor, or a stepper motor. The motorcan be controlled by a motor controller. The motor controllercan be a simple on/off controller, a variable speed motor controller, a brushed DC motor controller, a brushless DC motor controller, or a stepper motor controller. In examples, the motor controllercan include a speed or stop control. In some examples, the motor controllercan include a controlwhich can be one or more of a motor direction control, a swing armheight control, etc.

The clutch assemblyis a mechanical device used to engage or disengage the power transmission between two rotating shafts, such as a rotating shaft of the motorand the swing arm shaftcoupled to the swing armand corresponding to the axis. In examples, the clutch assemblycan include a one-way clutch that allows the rotation to occur in one direction while offering resistance to rotation in the opposite direction. The clutch assemblycan include an outer race, an inner race coupled to the shaft of the motor, and one or more sprags or rollers positioned between the outer and inner races. The sprags or rollers can engage with the inner and outer races to transmit torque in one direction while allowing slippage or disengagement in the opposite direction. Thus, as the motorrotates the inner race, the sprags or rollers engage with the inner and outer races, creating a solid connection. This allows torque to be transmitted from the motorto the shaftcoupled to the swing arm, resulting in the rotation of the swing armin the intended direction. When an external force or reverse torque, such as a bat strike or hit, is applied to the traveling objectand thus the swing arm, thereby attempting to rotate the swing arm, and shaft, in a direction opposite the motor rotation direction, the sprags or rollers in the one-way clutch may allow some slippage, allowing the swing armto rotate in the reverse or opposite direction. The clutch assemblythen slows and stops the rotation of the swing arm(e.g., shaft) in the opposite direction and eventually allows the shaftcoupled to the swing armto re-engage with the motor'srotation in the original direction. The clutch assemblyincluding the one-way clutch is described with respect to the swing armand the motor; however, other types and designs and clutches can be utilized to couple a rotational shaft of the swing armto the rotating shaft of the motor. In some examples, the clutch assembly can operate in a first direction of rotation, a second direction of rotation, and combinations thereof.

depicts another example of a swing training apparatus. The swing training apparatuscan be the same as or similar to the swing training apparatus described with respect to. In examples, the swing training apparatuscan include wheelsto increase the portability of the swing training apparatus. That is, one or more jack assembliescan be coupled to one or more legsof the swing training apparatus. The one or more jack assembliescan be coupled to one or more wheels. Thus, a user can raise or lower (e.g., extend or contract) the jack assemblyusing a handle, causing one or more platforms and/or legs of the swing training apparatusto raise or lower.

depict additional details of the swing arm and an adjustment assembly in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. That is, as discussed with respect to a first implementation, the swing armcan be coupled to one or more adjustment assemblies. The adjustment assemblycan include an adjustment wheel or archaving a plurality of holes. One or more pegs, or stops,coupled to an adjustment bracket of the swing armcan be used to adjust the height or angleof the swing armwith respect to a surface, such as the ground. That is, a peg or stopcan be used to select a desired height by raising or lowering the swing armabout an adjustment axisand by coupling the peg or stopto a desired hole in the adjustment wheel or arc.

With respect to a second implementation, the swing armcan be adjusted by increasing or decreasing an adjustment mechanism. In some examples, the adjustment mechanismcan include a stop portionthat this perpendicular to the adjustment mechanism, whereby the stop portioncan prevent the adjustment mechanismfrom extending through a block. Thus, the adjustment mechanismcan be increased or decreased such that the swing armcan rotate about the adjustment axisand the height or angleof the swing armcan increase or decrease accordingly.

With respect to a third implementation, the swing armcan be adjusted by increasing or decreasing a travel associated with a linear motor, such as a mover or forcer. For example, a mover or forcercan be increased or decreased such that the swing armcan rotate about the adjustment axisand the height or angleof the swing armcan increase or decrease accordingly.

depict additional details of an interchangeable pitch manipulation insert in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan couple the traveling objectto the swing armusing a variety of different mechanical connections or fastening mechanisms. The interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan alter or change a trajectory of the traveling objectand/orbased on a speed of rotation of the swing arm. In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be used to mimic a specific pitch, pitcher, or as part of increasing or reducing a difficulty associated with a training process.

As a first implementation, the traveling object, such as a ball, can include a cavityin which a first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertis positioned. In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertincludes a stop. The stopof the first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be aligned with the slotson the traveling objectsuch that the first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be positioned in the cavityof the traveling object. Thus, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertsuch that the stoplocks the first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertto the traveling object. As further depicted in, a second end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan include a stopsuch that the second end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be locked to or otherwise coupled to the swing armby aligning the stopwith the slot.

Alternatively, or in addition, the first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan include a threaded portionthat can be threaded into the cavityas depicted in the second implementation. That is, a mechanical connection or fastening method utilizes threads, or helical ridges or grooves on the first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertand in the cavityof the traveling object. The threadson the first end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertengage with the threads of the traveling object, allowing them to be securely joined or fastened together. Similarly, the second end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan include a threaded portionthat can be threaded into the swing arm. That is, a mechanical connection or fastening method utilizes threads, or helical ridges or grooves on the second end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertand in the swing arm. The threadson the second end of the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertengage with the threads of the swing arm, allowing them to be securely joined or fastened together. Of course, other mechanical connections are contemplated. For example, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be threaded onto the swing arm.

In some examples, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan be coupled to the traveling objectvia a flexible adapter. For example, the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan include a flexible adapter, such as a rope, chord, wire, cable, or otherwise, that allows the traveling objectto suspend from or hang freely from the interchangeable pitch manipulation insertand/or the swing arm. The flexible adaptercan be coupled to the traveling objectvia one or more mechanical connections as described with respect to.

depicts another example of a swing training apparatusin accordance with examples of the present disclosure. The swing training apparatuscan include a base portionand a stem portion. The base portionand stem portioncan enclose a motor, clutch assembly, and/or bearing sleeve as previously described. The interchangeable pitch manipulation insertcan couple the traveling objectto the swing armas previously described with respect to.

depicts a flowchartdescribing an example methodfor using the swing training apparatus described with respect toin accordance with examples of the present disclosure. For example, at, a traveling object, such as a ball, and a pitch manipulation insert can be selected and secured to the swing arm of the swing training apparatus as previously described with respect to. At, a hitter, such as hitter() can be positioned at an appropriate location. At, a height of the swing can be adjusted as previously described with respect to. At, a motor can be engaged. For example, a user can turn on and/or adjust the speed of the motor using a motor controller as previously discussed. At, a hitter can strike the traveling object using a hitting object, such as a bat. One or more portions of the flowchart ofcan be repeated during a training session. Of course, the steps depicted incan be performed in an order that is different than that which is depicted.

The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed disclosure. The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an example with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate aspects falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.