Pitching Training Device

The present technology relates to a pitching training device. In particular, the present technology relates to a dynamic inertia, variable resistance pitching training device with resistance and moving weight.

Athletes involved in pitch/throw based sports must strengthen the muscles of their fingers, wrist, forearms and shoulder in order to develop an effective pitching motion. Typically, this muscle strengthening occurs in training where the pitchers gradually develop their pitching motion and velocity over the course of weeks of practice.

Pitching has three main components: throw power, arm path (i.e., throwing healthily with repeatability), and accuracy. There are existing exercise devices on the market which allow athletes to strengthen and maintain muscle tone; however, such devices do not address both the power and mechanics components of the throw/pitch movement to allow an athlete to feel and understand a proper throwing technique.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements in exercise devices for improving a pitch/throw movement performed when practicing a sport or for other exercising purposes.

The objective of the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the known training devices.

The training apparatus of the present invention can be used to train pitch/throw power in addition to pitch/throw mechanics, e.g., arm path, accuracy and repeatability. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the pitch/throw training device may include one or more elastic band assemblies that are coupled to the sliding cartridge and that can operate to resist movement of the sliding cartridge. In this manner, the elastic band assemblies require a user to produce more power to move the sliding cartridge during the throw/pitch movement.

At least some of the above-mentioned objectives are achieved by providing an apparatus for training a throw including an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end, a grip member coupled to the first end of the elongated shaft, and a weight member coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft. A first stopper is positioned on the elongated shaft and a second stopper is 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 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.

In some embodiments, a connecting member is also provided 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. In certain of these embodiments, the elongated shaft is made with a material that is different from a material of the connecting member.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes 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. In additional embodiments, the apparatus also includes 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.

In certain embodiments, the elastic band assembly includes one or more elastic bands. In some of these embodiments, the elastic band assembly includes 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. In some of these embodiments, each of the plurality of elastic bands is separately couplable to the at least one of the first stopper and the second stopper.

In some embodiments, each elastic band has a different elasticity. In additional embodiments, each elastic band has the same elasticity.

In some embodiments, 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.

In certain embodiments, one of a visual and an audible indicator is provided configured to indicate a position of the sliding cartridge during the throw.

The stated objectives are also achieved by an apparatus for training a throw including an elongated shaft with a first end and a second end, and 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 is positioned on the elongated shaft, and a second stopper is 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.

In some embodiments, a weight member is coupled to the second end of the elongated shaft.

In certain embodiments, 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, 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.

In some embodiments, the sliding cartridge further includes 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. In certain of these embodiments, at least one of the first anchor member and the second anchor member have one or more receptacles configured to removably accommodate one or more elastic bands of the elastic band assembly.

In some cases, 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.

In certain embodiments, 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.

Further objects, aspects, features, and embodiments of the present technology will be apparent from the drawing figures and below description.

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.

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.

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.

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.

illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a pitch training devicein accordance with the present invention. The deviceincludes an elongated shafthaving a first endand a second end. The elongated shaftmay 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 shaftmay be generally cylindrical in shape and have a suitable diameter and length. In one preferred embodiment, an outer diameter of the elongated shaftis more than about ½ inch, such as ⅝ 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.

The devicealso includes a grip memberand a weight member. In the embodiment shown in, the grip memberand the weight memberare 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.

The weight memberis positioned at the second endof the elongated shaft. The weight membermay be directly attached to the second endby any suitable means. In some embodiments, the weight membermay be permanently attached to the shaftby any suitable means such as adhesive, welding, etc. In other embodiments of the present technology, the weight membermay be removably attached to the elongated shaftvia 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 membermay be adjusted as desired. In some embodiments, the weight memberis about 5 ounces in weight.

The grip memberis positioned adjacent the first endof the elongated shaftand is coupled to the first end via a connecting member. The connecting member is different from the elongated shaft—it is made from a different material that is more flexible than the material of the shaft. In some embodiments, the connecting memberis 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 memberis coupled to the first endof the shaftat one end and is coupled to the grip memberat 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 endof the shaftat one end and to the weight memberat the opposite end. An athlete may grasp either the grip memberor the weight memberduring a throw motion.

The grip membermay be permanently attached to the connecting memberby any suitable means such as adhesive, welding, etc. In other embodiments, the grip membermay 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.

The training devicefurther includes a sliding cartridgepositioned on the shaftand configured to slide along the shaftin both directions from a first position shown into a second position shown in. The sliding cartridgecan interface with the shaftin various ways. In various embodiments, the sliding cartridgecan simply wrap around the shaft. Low friction coatings can be applied to the sliding cartridgeand the shaftto enable the sliding movement. In some embodiments, the shaftcan include channels (not shown) and the inner portion of the sliding cartridgecan include fins (not shown) that fit into and slide along the channels. In additional embodiments, the sliding cartridgeand/or the shaftcan 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 cartridgeto slide along the shaftare contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The training devicealso includes first and second stoppers,which halt the sliding of the sliding cartridgealong the shaft. In the embodiment shown in, the first stopperis positioned at or adjacent the first endof the shaftand the second stopperis positioned at a location along the shaftremoved from the first stopper. The distance between the first and second stoppers,may be adjusted as desired, As shown in, the sliding cartridgeis shorter than the length of the shaftand is slidable along the shaft between the first stopperand the second stopper. The first and second stoppers,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,may be removably or non-removably secured to the shaft, e.g., by mating screws and threads, adhesives, or welding. In some embodiments, the stoppers,may be formed as an integral part of the shaft, rather than coupled to the shaft. The coupling mechanisms described above are exemplary, and other coupling mechanisms are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The sliding cartridgeincludes an elastic band assembly. As shown in, the elastic band assemblyincludes one or more elastic bandsand a first and second anchor membersandpositioned on opposite ends of the elastic band assembly. The anchor members may be inserted over the shaftand may be removably or non-removably secured to the shaftby any suitable means, such as welding, adhesive, screws, etc. One or more elastic bandsare secured at each end to the first anchorand the second anchor. In some embodiments, one end of the one or more elastic bandsis removably secured to the second anchorpositioned adjacent the first stopperand the other end of the one or more elastic bands is non-removably secured to the first anchorpositioned on the opposite end of the elastic band assembly. The elastic bandsmay be secured to the anchorsandin various ways.

shows one exemplary embodiment of the anchors,. The anchors include one or more receptaclescorresponding to the elastic bands. Each receptaclemay receive and secure one elastic bandof the elastic band assembly, In various embodiments, the anchors,can include a different number of receptacles, 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. In various embodiments, the receptacles can be evenly spaced apart, as illustrated. In additional embodiments, the receptacles need not be evenly spaced apart.

The anchors,also include a central openingthrough which the shaftis 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, the outer surfaceof 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.

The sliding cartridgehas a support structurepositioned between and coupled to the first and second anchors,. The support structuremay be provided in different forms. In some embodiments, the support structuremay comprise a plurality of support members extending between the anchors,. In some embodiments, the support structure may be a cylindrical sleeve positioned over the shaftbetween the anchors,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 structuremay be a sleeve that encases the one or more elastic bandsand/or one or both of the first and second anchors,. In some of these embodiments, the one or more elastic bandsmay be unremovable from the encasing sleeve.

shows a sectional view of a portion of the shaftwith the sliding cartridge, The elastic band assemblyincludes the elastic band, the first anchorand the second anchor, as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, both ends of the elastic bandcan be secured to the anchors,in the same way. The elastic bandhas two abutment membersandpositioned at opposite ends of the band. 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,abut and push against the ends of the anchors,and are unable to enter the receptacles. In this manner, the elastic bandis secured to the first and second anchor,. The embodiment ofis 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 anchorcan be molded and formed around an end of the elastic bandsuch that when the anchoris solidly formed, one end of the elastic bandis within the anchor.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the first stopperand/or the second stopperincludes one or more receptacles corresponding to the elastic bands. The receptacles may be similar to those shown in. Each receptacle may receive and secure the abutment member of one of the elastic bands. 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. 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.

Either end of the elastic bandmay be grasped and pulled out of the first anchorand/or second anchorto stretch the elastic band. When neither of the elastic band ends is pulled, the ends of the bandabut the first and second anchors,as shown in. In this state, the elastic bandsdo not operate to resist movement of the sliding cartridge.

Referring to, when one or more of the elastic bandsare anchored to the first stopper, the elastic bandresists movement of the sliding cartridgetowards the second stopper. Accordingly, a user needs to produce more power to move the sliding cartridgeduring a throw. Each elastic bandcan be individually pulled, separately from any other elastic bands.illustrate one elastic bandbeing pulled and secured to the first stopper. 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.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the pitch training devicecan include one or more elastic bands that couple to the second stopper. As described above, the second stopper can include one or more corresponding receptacles that can receive and secure the elastic bands. When one or more elastic bandsis coupled to the second stopper, the elastic bands resists movement of the sliding cartridgetowards the first stopper. This configuration can be used, for example, to secure the sliding cartridgeto the second stopperwhen an athlete is warming up or to familiarize with the feel of the pitch training deviceduring a throw.

The training devicedescribed above can be used in pitching practice or for training and/or toning arm and shoulder muscles. In the exemplary embodiment shown in, the athlete grasps the grip memberat the start of a throw. As the athlete performs the throwing movement, the sliding cartridgeslides towards the second stopper. This can be done without attaching any of the elastic bandsto the first stopper, 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 bandsto the first stopper. In the motion of throwing a ball (or another object), the sliding cartridgemoves from the first stoppertowards the second stopper, as shown in. The athlete's throwing mechanics can be determined by audibly and/or visually examining the movement of the sliding cartridge.

In some embodiments, an electronic component may be added to the end of the shaft. When the sliding cartridgeslides 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.

In various embodiments, the athlete may instead grasp the weight memberand/or the shaft portion above the sliding cartridgeduring a throwing motion. Also, as described above, one or more elastic bandsmay be coupled to the second stopperduring the throwing motion.

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.