Abstract:
In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the first blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a resistance band configured to operatively connect to the helmet and the user. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the throwing hand resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one embodiment, the second blocking mechanics training system includes a mitt and a strap having a loop member configured to engage with the user&#39;s wrist.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     In many sports, the relative position and/or motion of a player is essential in executing a desired athletic movement. Typically, in order to achieve the correct movement, the player must practice. Traditionally, such practice has encompassed repeating the position or movement until it is properly executed. A significant problem with this repetitive practice approach is the player must generally rely on self-inspection to determine whether the motion or position is correct. Endless hours of unknowingly practicing the incorrect motion will input improper data into the player&#39;s muscle memory or motor memory and will make it difficult for the player to achieve the intended improvement. A second party observer (e.g., a coach) can sometimes provides insight to correct the motion. This method depends upon the knowledge, communication skills and availability of such an expert observer. A video tape recorder can substitute for an observer. However, using a video recording requires the purchase of costly equipment and often the tape can only be viewed after the practice session has taken place. Thus, corrections would be attempted at a subsequent practice session. 
     The popularity of baseball or softball among children, teen and adult athletes provides a market whereupon coaches, trainers and the players themselves seek to improve the skills of the players both offensively and defensively. For catchers, catching mechanics are important in a player&#39;s progression through the levels of the sport, the ultimate level being Major League Baseball. In baseball, when a pitcher throws a ball in the dirt, it is typically the catcher&#39;s job to block and keep the ball in front of the catcher. If a catcher improperly looks up or tilts his or her head upwards, a ball from a pitch in the dirt or a foul ball or even a bat could possibly come up under the catcher&#39;s helmet and cause a sever injury. In addition, where a catcher attempts to block a ball thrown in the dirt, a catcher may severely injure his or her thumb by improperly lifting his or her throwing hand which should be placed behind the glove. Methods of improving a catcher&#39;s mechanics by focusing on his or her blocking skills and creating a consistency between each block is a frequently sought after goal. 
     It is desirable to provide players with new types of training systems or training devices that improve the player&#39;s catching skills. Accordingly, a need exists for the further development of training devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a first blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one example, the blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a resistance band configured to operatively connect to: (a) the helmet; and (b) the user. 
     In one example, the resistance band has: (a) a first end configured to operatively connect to the user&#39;s first wrist area; and (b) a second end configured to operatively connect to the user&#39;s second wrist area. 
     In one example, the helmet includes one of a two-piece helmet. 
     In one example, the helmet is a catcher&#39;s helmet. In another example, the helmet is a goalie helmet. 
     In one example, the helmet includes a shell and a facemask. 
     In one example, the resistance band is removably connected to the helmet. In another example, the resistance band is permanently connected to the helmet. 
     In one example, the resistance band is configured to operatively connect to the shell. In another example, the resistance band is configured to operatively connect to the facemask. 
     In one example, the facemask includes a horizontal bar. In one example, the resistance band is connected to the horizontal bar using a clip (e.g., a carabiner clip). 
     In one example, the resistance band has: (a) a first end connected to a first attachment device which is configured to attach to the user; and (b) a second end connected to a second attachment device which is configured to attach to the user. 
     In one example, a blocking mechanics training device is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the chin resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one example, the blocking mechanics training device includes a resistance band configured to operatively connect to: (a) a catcher&#39;s helmet; and (b) the user. 
     In one example, a second blocking mechanics training system is configured to be worn by a user to develop blocking skills and counter a tendency toward improperly upwardly lifting the throwing hand resulting in a potentially dangerous injury. In one example, the second blocking mechanics training system includes a mitt and a strap having a loop member configured to engage with the user&#39;s wrist. 
     In one example, where the strap includes a stopper member and the mitt defines an opening, the strap is operably connected to the mitt by the stopper member being engaged with the opening of the mitt. 
     In one example, where the mitt defines an opening, the strap is removably connected to the mitt by sliding the loop member through the opening. 
     Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is front perspective view of one example embodiment of the first blocking mechanics training system disclosed herein, illustrating a user wearing the first blocking mechanics training system. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one example embodiment of the second blocking mechanics training system discloses herein, illustrating a user wearing the second blocking mechanics training system. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one example embodiment of the second blocking mechanics training system disclosed herein, illustrating the strap being engaged with the mitt. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one example embodiment of the second blocking mechanics training system, illustrating the stopper member engaged with the mitt. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one example embodiment of the strap of the second blocking mechanics training system, illustrating the loop member and the stopper member. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one example embodiment of the second blocking mechanics training system, illustrating the strap being stitched to the mitt. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The training systems and/or training devices disclosed herein may be used to properly train the biomechanical dynamics of a person&#39;s desired athletic movement and to aid in the correction of common problems associated with catching. 
     In one example, the first blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet and a blocking mechanics training device. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , first blocking mechanics training system  100  includes helmet  102  and blocking mechanics training device  104 . 
     In one example, helmet  102  includes: (a) shell  106 ; (b) a padding assembly or head support assembly (not shown); and (c) facemask  108 . In this example, shell  106  is a generally hemispherically-shaped head covering, which forms a cranial cavity configured to generally cover and protect the upper portion of a user&#39;s head. In one example, the shell has a dome-like crown, a generally continuous circumferential side wall, and ear protective regions. In one example, the crown, side wall, and ear protective regions are molded from a single material source. In one example, certain regions can be formed from separate pieces and integrated with the shell, such as through thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, or other suitable types of bonding known to those skilled in the art. 
     The shell can be formed of a rigid, durable material, such as, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”). In one example, the shell is formed of other materials, such as, for example, a polycarbonate, plastic, aluminum, or other polymers. The shell is configured to protect the user&#39;s head by resisting, absorbing and distributing impact loads, such as, for example, the impact from a pitched ball, thereby reducing the load transferred to or felt by the user due to an impact. The padding assembly (not shown) is coupled to an inner surface of the shell and may include a plurality of support members configured to dampen, reduce, absorb, and/or dissipate shock resulting from an impact of the helmet with an object, and reduce the shock transferred to, or felt by, the wearer due to an impact. The padding assembly can be formed of a lightweight, cushionable, resilient material, such as a foam material formed of ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA foam”), or other open or closed cellular or non-cellular foam, a gel, a fluid-filled bladder, a plurality of spherical balls, a plurality of other geometric objects, or an air-filled bladder. 
     In this example, facemask  108  includes vertical bars  110  and horizontal bars  112  fitted over, at or near face opening  114  of helmet  102 . Facemask  108  is configured to protect a wearer&#39;s face without adversely obstructing the wearer&#39;s vision or ability to breathe. Vertical bars  110  and horizontal bars  112  can be made of a rigid material, such as, for example, ABS, other high-density polymers, such as Surlyn®, aluminum, composite fiber materials, and combinations thereof. The number, size, shape, and placement of vertical bars  110  and horizontal bars  112  may vary among different example embodiments, as the blocking mechanics training devices described herein are adaptable for use with a wide range of facemask configurations. For example, vertical bars  110  and horizontal bars  112  can be formed in other shapes, such as curved shapes, angled shapes, geometric shapes, irregular shapes and combinations thereof. 
     Helmet  102  of the  FIG. 1  is configured as a catcher&#39;s helmet. In other examples, the blocking mechanics training device can be applied to other types of helmets, such as, for example, a goalie helmet. 
     In one example, the blocking mechanics training device includes: (a) a resistance band; (b) a first connector configured to operably connected to a helmet; and (c) a second connector configured to operably connect to a user of the blocking mechanics training device. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , blocking mechanics training device  104  includes: (a) resistance band  116 ; and (b) connector  118  configured to operably connect to helmet  102 ; and (c) connector  120  configured to operably connect to user  121 . 
     Resistance band  116  can be made of non-rigid elastic material including but not limited to bungee cord, rubber, or similar elastic polymeric rope-like material. 
     Resistance band  116  can include an elongated natural or synthetic rubber, or polymeric member. Natural rubber exhibits unique extensibility, in that it possesses the ability to stretch to about six times that of its original un-stretched length. It also correspondingly exhibits excellent resilience by being able to regain its original shape, and excellent tensile strength, meaning the ability to extend under loading without breaking. 
     In one example, the length of the resistance band can be changed or adjusted. In one example, the length of the resistance band is changed or adjusted based on the size of the user. 
     Resistance band  116  can have different tension levels. For example, in one embodiment, the resistance band of the blocking mechanics training system can be removed and replaced with another different resistance band having a different level of tension. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , blocking mechanics training device  104  includes connector  118  configured to operably connect to helmet  102 . In example, connector  118  includes a clip (e.g., a carabiner clip). 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is operatively connected to helmet  102  using any suitable device for detachably or permanently attaching objects to one another. In one example, resistance band  116  is connected to helmet  102  using a connector, a fastener, or any other attachment mechanism. In one example, the attachment mechanism is integrally formed in helmet  102 . In another example, the attachment mechanism is separate from, and attached to the helmet. In one alternative example, connector  118  is permanently attached to helmet  102 . 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is removably connected to helmet  102  using a buckle. In one example, the buckle includes: (a) a latch plate having an opening; and (b) a latch. In operation, the latch can be inserted into the opening of the latch plate, and thereby be releasably secured therein. In one example, the helmet is connected to the latch plate, and the resistance band is connected to the latch. In another example, the helmet is connected to the latch, and the resistance band is connected to the latch plate. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is removably connected to helmet  102  using a hook-and-loop fastener such as, for example, Velcro®. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is operatively connected to helmet  102  through an opening of shell  106 . In one example, the opening of the helmet is reinforced using a grommet. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is operatively connected to helmet  102  using an adhesive. 
     In one example, blocking mechanics training device includes a first resistance band and a second, separate resistance band. In one example, the first resistance band has a first end having a first connector, and the second resistance band has a second end having a second mating connector. In this example, the blocking mechanics training system includes a helmet including a first connector configured to attach to the connector of the first resistance band; and (b) a second connector configured to attach to the second connector of the second resistance band. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is permanently attached to helmet. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is operatively connected to the shell. In another example, resistance band  116  is operatively connected to the facemask. 
     In one example, blocking mechanics training device  104  includes first unitary loop member  122  and second unitary loop member  124 . In this example, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , when used during a training session, resistance band  116  is operatively attached to user  121  using first unitary loop member  122  and second unitary loop member  124 . In this example, user  121  may place his or her hands through first unitary loop member  122  and second unitary loop member  124 , with first unitary loop member  122  and second unitary loop member  124  exhibiting elastic qualities to accommodate various sized users. 
     When used during a training session, resistance band  116  can be operatively attached to the user in a number of different ways. For example, in one embodiment,  116  resistance band has ends (or are attached to devices which have ends) which are configured to operatively attach to the user&#39;s forearms. In another example, resistance band  116  has ends (or are attached to devices which have ends) which are configured to operatively attach to the user&#39;s wrists. In another example, resistance band  116  has ends (or are attached to devices which have ends) which are configured to operatively attach to the user&#39;s hands. In another example, resistance band  116  has ends (or are attached to devices which have ends) which are configured to operatively attach to any suitable combination of the user&#39;s forearms, wrists and hands. In one embodiment, the resistance band is connected to only one forearm, wrist, or hand. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is configured to be operatively attached to the user using a buckle device similar to the buckle device described above. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is configured to operatively couple to user  121  using a hook-and-loop fastener such as, for example, Velcro. 
     In one example, resistance band  116  is operatively connected to user  121  using attachment devices. In one example, the attachment devices include cinching devices. The cinching devices may be similar to one that is commonly used in clamping up upon drawstrings of outerwear and the like. In one example, the cinching device includes a housing with a clamping member being slidably disposed within a cavity of the housing, and being biased by a spring to have a portion of the clamping member contact the housing. A portion of the clamping member may protrude from the housing to be usable as a button to actuate the clamping member, to permit adjustments to the effective length of the elastic resistance band. 
     It should be appreciated that resistance band  116  can be configured to operatively attach to the user using any suitable device for detachably attaching objects to one another. 
     In operation of one embodiment, user  121  puts on helmet  102 , then puts their hands through first unitary loop member  122  and second unitary loop member  124  and slides first unitary loop member  122  and second unitary loop member  124  to the forearm. Once properly positioned, user  121  may now put glove  126  on as he or she would ordinarily do, and assume a proper catcher&#39;s stance whereby the catcher is ready to catch the ball. Once properly positioned, the catcher is set to begin to move glove  126 , seeking to master downward movement of the chin through the correct motion, and striving to be able to do so repetitively. User  121  of the blocking mechanics training system disclosed herein may find advantageous use during practice aimed solely at developing muscle memory, where user  121  has no intention of playing immediately thereafter; or during practice just prior to actually catching in a game, where the catcher removes the training device before his/her actual catching of the ball. 
     In a properly executed block, the catcher protects his throat and neck by taking his or her chin and tucking it into his or her chest. Where a catcher improperly upwardly lifts their chin during a block, the ball from a foul pitch or from a pitch in the dirt or even a bat can come up under the catcher&#39;s helmet and cause a severe injury. 
     As the catcher begins to place their glove or mitt against their cup with their fingers down, resistance band  116  progressively extends from an un-deflected condition, which may be, for example, roughly nineteen inches in length, depending upon the catcher&#39;s height and arm length, and the position at which he/she extends his glove to block the ball. 
     The blocking mechanics training system can help prevent injuries resulting from a catcher improperly lifting their head. In addition, when a catcher keeps their head in the correct position (i.e., looking down), and when a baseball bounces off the user&#39;s mask, the ball will have a better chance to bounce directly down off of the mask, in contrast to bouncing away from the catcher. 
     When used during a training session, the resistance band can attenuate a catcher&#39;s upward head lift thereby teaching the catcher&#39;s muscle-memory the feeling of an improper upward head lift or tilt. Where a catcher improperly lifts his or her head, the tension energy loaded into the resistance band as a result of the head lift by virtue of its pulling effect can indicate to a person&#39;s muscle-memory that the improper upward head lift occurred. 
     In one example, the second blocking mechanics training system includes: (a) a mitt or glove; and (b) a strap member which is configured to operably connect the mitt to the user. For example, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 4 , second blocking mechanics training system  300  includes: (a) mitt  302 ; and (b) strap  304 . 
     In one embodiment, the strap member includes a loop member configured to operably couple the user to the strap member. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 5 , strap  304  includes: (a) loop member  306 ; and (b) stopper member  308 . In this example, loop member  306  enables strap  304  to connect wrist  310  of the user. 
     Strap  304  can be made of any suitable material. For example, strap  304  can be made from material which may be a woven nylon, and one or more layers of woven material may be utilized in forming strap  304 . 
     Strap  304  is operatively connected to mitt  302  using any suitable device for detachably or permanently attaching objects to one another. In one embodiment, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , strap  304  is operably connected to mitt  302 . More specifically, loop member  306  of strap  304  is inserted through opening or hole  312  of mitt  302 . Once stopper member  308  makes contact and engages mitt  302 , stopper member  308  prevents the entire trap  304  from sliding through hole  312 . 
     In one example, strap  304  is connected to mitt  302  using a connector, a fastener, or any other attachment mechanism. In one example, the attachment mechanism is integrally formed in mitt  302 . In another example, the attachment mechanism is separate from, and attached to mitt  302 . In one alternative example, the attachment mechanism is permanently attached to mitt  302 . For example, as illustrated in the blocking mechanics training system of  FIG. 6 , using stitch  606 , strap  604  is permanently attached to mitt  602 . 
     In one example, strap  304  is removably connected to mitt  302  using a buckle, such as the buckle device described above. 
     In one example, strap  304  is removably connected to mitt  302  using a hook-and-loop fastener such as, for example, Velcro®. 
     In one example, strap  304  is operably connected to mitt  302  using a ball and hinge device. 
     In one example, strap  304  is operatively connected to mitt  302  through an opening of strap  304 . In one example, the opening of the mitt is reinforced using a grommet. 
     In one example, strap  304  is operatively connected to mitt  302  using an adhesive. 
     In one example, strap  304  is permanently attached to mitt  302 . 
     In one example, strap  304  is removably connected to mitt  302  using a buckle device similar to the buckle device described herein. In one embodiment strap  304  may have a first end and a second end that are secured together by a securing means such as Velcro. 
     In one example, strap  304  is configured to be operatively attached to the user using a buckle device similar to the buckle device described above. 
     In one example, strap  304  is configured to operatively couple to the user using a hook-and-loop fastener such as, for example, Velcro®. 
     In one example, strap  304  is operatively connected to the user using attachment devices, such as the attachment devices described above. 
     It should be appreciated that strap  304  can be configured to operatively attach to the user using any suitable device for detachably attaching objects to one another. 
     In one example operation the second mechanics training system, if the user wears a mitt on his or her left hand, the strap would be positioned to operably connect the user&#39;s right wrist area. If the user wears a mitt on his or her right hand, strap  304  would be positioned to connect the user&#39;s left wrist area to the mitt. Once properly positioned, the user may assume a proper catcher&#39;s stance whereby the catcher is ready to catch the ball. Once properly positioned, in response to a ball be thrown in the dirt or the catcher blocking, the catcher is set to begin to move his or her hands, seeking to master movement of the hands through the correct motion, and striving to be able to do so repetitively. The user of the second blocking mechanics training system may find advantageous use during practice aimed solely at developing muscle memory, where the user has no intention of playing immediately thereafter; or during practice just prior to actually catching in a game, where the catcher removes strap  304  from mitt  302  before his/her actual catching of the ball. 
     In a properly executed block, the catcher protects his or her hand by proper positioning of his or her throwing hand (i.e., behind the mitt). Where a catcher improperly upwardly lifts and exposes their throwing hand during a block, the ball from a pitch in the dirt can hit the catcher&#39;s throwing hand cause a severe injury. 
     After the catcher properly places their glove against their cup with their fingers down, strap  304  prevents the catcher from improperly upwardly lifting his or her throwing hand, and thereby can prevent injuries resulting the user improperly lifting his or her throwing hand. 
     It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.