Swinging aid

A swinging aid for training a user can include a base for engaging a surface. The base can be operatively connected to a first portion of an adjustable stand. A horizontal member can connect to a second portion of the adjustable stand. The horizontal member can protrude from the adjustable stand. A head gear can be operatively connected to the horizontal member. The head gear can be configured to move in three dimensions and rotate three hundred sixty degrees to provide active feedback to the user.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a swinging aid for improving swinging skills of athletes and other users.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for a swinging aid that provides users with pressure as feedback during execution of swings to help the user learn proper swinging techniques in various sports through motor learning or muscle memory.

A need exists for a swinging aid that provides users with pressure as feedback based upon a location and orientation of the user's head in three linear dimensions and a rotational orientation of the user's head.

A need exists for a swinging aid including head gear that releases from the user's head, providing an indication that the user's head was not in the proper location and/or orientation during the execution of a swing.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments generally relate to a swinging aid for improving swinging skills of athletes and other users.

The swinging aid can be formed of one or more segments. The swinging aid can include a base for engaging a surface. The base can be operatively connected to a first portion of an adjustable stand. The base can be connected to the adjustable member as an integral portion. For example, the base and the adjustable member can be formed from a single piece of material.

A horizontal member can be connected to a second portion of the adjustable stand. The base, the adjustable member, and the horizontal member can all be connected as a single piece, i.e., can be formed out of a single piece of material.

In embodiments, one or more portions of the swinging aid can be formed by a separate piece of material and connected to another portion of the swinging aid. Accordingly, the base, the adjustable member, the horizontal member, or combinations thereof can be a single piece, a plurality of pieces connected to one another, or combinations thereof. For example, the horizontal member and the adjustable member can be connected as a single piece of material, and the base can be formed from a separate piece of material and connected to the adjustable member.

The swinging aid can be used to allow a user to work on their head position while performing a swinging action. The user can be an athlete or other person, and can be of any age.

The swinging action of the user can be related to activities requiring proper swing mechanics. For example, the swinging action of the user can be related to swinging a golf club at a golf ball, baseball bat at a baseball, baseball bat at a softball, hockey stick at a hockey puck, hockey stick at a hockey ball, cricket bat at a cricket ball, xistera at a jai alia ball, squash racket at a squash ball, racquetball racket at a racquetball, tennis racket at a tennis ball, or the like.

The swinging aid can be used with a user, such as a young user, who is struggling to hit a ball, such as a baseball. In operation, the user can be continuously told to keep his head still and keep his eye on the ball. The user, without the use of the swinging aid, might determine that he is keeping his head still and eye on the ball; however, results can contradict the user's determination.

The user can use the swinging aid to receive active feedback on the movement of the user's head during the swinging action. For example, a head gear can come off the user's head every time that he moves his head; thereby informing the user that he is moving his head, and reminding the user that he should keep his head still while swinging the bat.

As the user practices with the swinging aid, he can apply proper motor skills and swing techniques by keeping his head still and moving his legs properly while receiving active feedback on his movements.

In one or more embodiments, the swinging aid can be collapsible, portable, adjustable, and lightweight. For example, the swinging aid can have a weight of ranging from about 15 pounds to about 40 pounds.

The swinging aid can provide users with feedback on the proper location and orientation of the user's head, without requiring the use of electricity.

The swinging aid can provide users with instant, continuous, and real-time feedback on the proper location and orientation of the user's head as the user is swinging. For example, the swinging aid can provide active feedback helping a batter to adjust his mechanics, whereas a pitching machine merely lets a batter know if he has missed or fouled a ball.

Use of the swinging aid can enable a user to align the location and orientation of their head and field of vision with a puck or ball to increase the user's probability of contacting the puck or ball during a swing by keeping the head gear on the user's head.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable stand can be made of hollow aluminum, carbon steel tubing, composites, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other structural materials.

The adjustable stand can have a height that can be adjusted from about 18 inches to about 48 inches. The adjustable stand can have a diameter ranging from about 1 inch to about 8 inches.

The base can be connected to one end of the adjustable stand. The base can engage a surface, such as a floor or the ground. The base can be a triangular or cross-shaped base having from about three tubular base members to about four tubular base members. The base and base members can be made of any material.

The base can be configured to support the adjustable stand. The adjustable stand can connect to the base with a mechanical fastener. For example, the base can have a neck for receiving a portion of the adjustable stand and a set screw or force fit can be used to secure the base to the adjustable stand.

In one or more embodiments, a plurality of U-bolts can be disposed about each of the tubular base members and secured to the surface to hold the tubular base members and lock the base to the surface. The U-bolts can be used to stabilize the base.

In one or more embodiments, a base plate can be affixed to the base. The base plate can add weight and stability to the base. The base plate can have a weight sufficient to provide a counterweight; thereby preventing the adjustable stand from tipping or falling.

The horizontal member can be connected to the adjustable stand opposite the base. The horizontal member can extend perpendicular from the adjustable stand.

In one or more embodiments, the horizontal member can have an adjustable length. The length of the horizontal member can be adjusted from about 12 inches to about 96 inches. The horizontal member can have a diameter ranging from about 1 inch to about 8 inches. The horizontal member can be configured to be static and non-rotating.

In one or more embodiments, the horizontal member can be made of hollow telescoping segments, one or more hollow metal segments, one or more hollow polyvinyl chloride segments, one or more rigid non-deforming plastic segments, one or more composite segments, a plurality of segments that are nested together and are lockable, or combinations thereof. The horizontal member can be extendable from the adjustable stand in an amount sufficient to allow one or more athletes to simultaneously practice using the swinging aid.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable stand can include a vertical member connected to the horizontal member and the base. The vertical member can include one or more segments. The segments of the vertical member can be configured to telescope, nest at least partially within one another and selectively lock in place, connect to one another, or similarly form the vertical member. The segments of the vertical member can be tubular members, cylindrical members, square members, or other shaped members.

In one or more embodiments, a plurality of segments can be used to form the vertical member. The plurality of segments can be configured to fit together to adjust a height of the vertical member. For example, a first segment can be connected to the base, and a second segment can be received within an upper portion of the first segment.

The segments of the vertical member can be hollow. The segments of the vertical member can have a diameter ranging from about 1 inch to about 8 inches.

The plurality of segments can be held within one another by mechanical fasteners, force fits, or combinations thereof. The mechanical fasteners can be snap latches, set screws, threaded fasteners, safety pins, licking pins, pins, or the like.

The vertical member can be adjustable to support the horizontal member at a position above the user's head.

In one or more embodiments, the adjustable stand and the horizontal member can be made from identical materials.

The head gear can be operatively connected to the horizontal member. The head gear can be configured to move in three dimensions and rotate 360 degrees to provide active feedback to the user.

The head gear can be configured to be worn by the user to contain and cover the user's head. The head gear can be a baseball helmet, hockey helmet, softball helmet, cap, hat, or other head gear. For example, the head gear can be manufactured by Dongguan Golden Tie Company of Dongguan, China.

The head gear can be any size to fit any sized user's head. The head gear can be a custom fitted head gear for a particular user. The head gear can be adjustable to various head sizes and can include an adjustable halo.

In one or more embodiments, the head gear can include a face opening, a top portion, a first hole in the top portion, and a second hole in the top portion.

A holding means can be connected to the first hole and the second hole. The holding means can be configured to hold the head gear and allow the head gear to move in three dimensions in the x-y-z spatial coordinate system, and to pivot 360 degrees.

The head gear can include a plastic shell with a liner assembly. The head gear can cover at least a portion of the user's head. The head gear can be configured to provide the user with full visual range.

The head gear can be operatively connected to the horizontal member by the holding means. Illustrative holding means can include a tether connected to the horizontal member that is configured to secure to one or more holes in the top portion of the head gear, a hook connected to the horizontal member configured to engage a latch or fastener on the head gear, a hook connected to the head gear that is configured to engage a loop or latch secured to the horizontal member, a latch connected to the head gear configured to engage a loop secured to the horizontal member, a carbineer connected to a turnbuckle configured to engage a loop secured to the horizontal member, or the like.

In one or more embodiments, the holding means can be connected to the horizontal member opposite the adjustable stand. The holding means can include a tether with a first member engaged with the first hole, and a second member engaged with the second hole. The tether can be engaged with the horizontal member.

The holding means can suspend the head gear a distance from the horizontal member ranging from about 1 inch to about 48 inches, and a distance from the surface ranging from about 36 inches to about 83 inches.

In operation, during execution of swings by the user, the head gear can provide active feedback in the form of pressure to the user's head; thereby allowing the user to modify the location and orientation of the user's head based upon the active feedback. For example, if the user's head is positioned or oriented improperly, the head gear can provide a resistive pressure or tension to the user's head. The active feedback can enable the user to improve the user's swings.

In operation, during execution of swings by the user, the head gear can be configured to release from the user's head to indicate an improper location and orientation of the user's head. For example, if the user's head is positioned or oriented improperly, the holding means can hold the head gear and prevent the head gear from moving with the user's head. As such, when the user's head moves beyond a preset limit in an improper direction, location, or orientation, the head gear releases from the user's head; thereby providing the user with an indication that the user had his head in the improper direction, location, or orientation during execution of the swing.

The holding means can hold the head gear such that the active feedback provided by the head gear enables the user to align the location and orientation of the user's head. Aligning the location and orientation of the user's head can prevent the head gear from releasing from the user's head; thereby improving the user's probability of contacting a puck or ball during swings.

The active feedback can allow the user to control the location and orientation of the user's head in three dimensions in an x-y-z spatial coordinate system. The active feedback can allow the user to control vertical movement of the user's head in a first direction along a y-axis of the x-y-z spatial coordinate system relative to a location of a puck or ball. The active feedback can allow the user to control horizontal movement of the user's head in a second direction along an x-axis of the x-y-z spatial coordinate system relative to the location of the puck or ball. The active feedback can allow the user to control horizontal movement of the user's head in a third direction along a z-axis of the x-y-z spatial coordinate system relative to the location of the puck or ball.

The active feedback can also allow the user to control rotational movement of the user's head about the y-axis, x-axis, and z-axis.

The ability to control the linear and rotational movement of the user's head allows the user to maintain proper location and orientation during swinging, such as staying within a hitting zone for baseball.

In Example 1, a 10 year old user with 0 years of experience who weighs 65 pounds, has a height of 4 feet and 7 inches, and a helmet size of medium had a 50 percent increase in hitting accuracy.

The user took10swings without the swinging aid and did not hit any of the 10 balls. However, while using the swinging aid the user was able to take 10 swings and hit 5 balls out of the 10 balls; thereby improving his hitting accuracy by 50 percent.

In Example 2, a 5 year old user with zero years of experience who weighs 40 pounds, has a height of 4 feet, and a helmet size of small had a 30 percent increase in hitting accuracy.

The user took10swings without the swinging aid and hit 3 balls out of 10 balls. However, while using the swinging aid the user was able to take 10 swings and hit 6 balls out of 10 balls; thereby improving his hitting accuracy by 30 percent.

In Example 3, an 11 year old user with 3 years of experience who weighs 110 pounds, has a height of 5 feet and 1 inch, and a helmet size of large had a 16.7 percent increase in hitting accuracy.

The user took30swings without the swinging aid and hit 16 balls out of 30 balls. However, while using the swinging aid the user was able to take 30 swings and hit 21 balls out of 30 balls; thereby improving his hitting accuracy by 16.7 percent.

Turning now to the Figures,FIG. 1Adepicts an embodiment of the swinging aid.

The swinging aid10acan include the adjustable stand46aengaged with the base50a.

The base50acan be configured to engage a surface52. The base50acan provide a flush engagement with the surface52.

The base50acan include one or more tubular base members53a,53b,53c, and53d. A plurality of U-bolts54a,54b,54c, and54dcan be locked around each of the tubular base members53a-53dto hold the tubular base members53a-53dand lock the base50ato the surface52.

The adjustable stand46acan include one or more vertical members48aand48b. The vertical members48aand48bcan be connected together. The vertical members48aand48bcan be secured relative to one another by a fastener148, such as a safety pin, locking pin, pin, screw, bolt, or the like.

A first vertical member48acan be connected to the base50a, and a second vertical member48bcan be connected to a horizontal member42a.

The vertical members48aand48bcan support the horizontal member42aat a position above the user's head. For example, a height47of the adjustable stand46acan be adjusted to accommodate various users and support the horizontal member42aat a position above the user's head.

A corner connection51can connect the horizontal member42ato the adjustable stand46a.

The horizontal member42acan extend from the adjustable stand46awith a length of extension41.

The swinging aid10acan include a holding means30aconnected to the horizontal member42aopposite the adjustable stand46a.

The swinging aid10acan include a head gear22connected to the holding means30aopposite the horizontal member42a. The head gear22can have a plastic shell19with a liner assembly21.

In one or more embodiments, the head gear22can have a face opening28. The head gear22can be connected to the holding means30a. For example, the holding means30acan be connected to the head gear22by a tether32connected to a first member36and a second member38.

The first member36and second member38can be disposed through one or more holes, such as hole24located in the top portion of the head gear22.

The head gear22can be connected to the holding means30asuch that the head gear22can move in three dimensions in the x-y-z spatial coordinate system and pivot three hundred sixty degrees.

FIG. 1Bdepicts another embodiment of the swinging aid.

The singing aid10bcan include the base50a, the adjustable stand46a, and the horizontal member42a.

The holding means30bcan include a loop31, which can be an integral portion of the horizontal member42a.

The holding means30bcan include a turnbuckle33. The turnbuckle33can be connected at one end with the loop31.

The holding means30bcan include a carbineer35, which can be connected with the turnbuckle33opposite the loop31.

The holding means30bcan include a chain37. The chain37can be connected with the carbineer35at one end and with holes24in the head gear22at the opposite end.

FIG. 2depicts an embodiment of the swinging aid configured for use by multiple users simultaneously.

The swinging aid10ccan be configured to allow two athletes to simultaneously practice.

A first head gear22acan be secured to a first portion of the horizontal member42b.

A second head gear22bcan be secured to a second portion of the horizontal member42b.

The horizontal member42bcan be connected to the second vertical member48bby a T-joint242. The first vertical member48acan be connected to the base50b. The vertical members48aand48bcan be secured relative to one another by a force fit.

A force fit or mechanical fastener can be used to secure the first vertical member48ato the base50b. The base50bcan be connected to a base plate56.

The head gears22aand22bcan be configured to move in three dimensions along an x-axis64, a y-axis62, and a z-axis66.

During execution of swings by users, the head gears22aand22bcan provide pressure to the users' heads as active feedback. The pressure provided can allow the users to modify a location and orientation of their heads along the x-axis64, the y-axis62, and the z-axis66.

In operation, the pressure provided by the head gears22aand22bas active feedback can be the lowest when the location and orientation of each user's head is proper. As each user's head moves further away from the proper location and orientation, the pressure can increase until the pressure is sufficient to cause release of the head gears22aand22bfrom the users' heads.

The head gears22aand22bcan also release from the users' heads if the users' heads rotate too much about the x-axis64, the y-axis62, or the z-axis66.

In one or more embodiments, one of the head gears22aand22bcan be removed and the horizontal member42bcan be adjusted such that the length of the horizontal member42bon one side of the vertical members48aand48bis longer than the length of the horizontal member42bon the other side of the vertical members48aand48b. For example, the second head gear22bcan be removed and the horizontal member42bcan be moved, allowing the first head gear22ato be a greater distance from the vertical members48aand48b. A fastener248can be used to secure the horizontal member42bin a desired or selected position.

In one or more embodiments, the horizontal member42bcan include one or more horizontal segments nested with one another, allowing them to be retracted and expanded to adjust the length of the horizontal member42b.

When in a desired position, the horizontal segments can have snap latches for locking the horizontal segments in place. In embodiments, the horizontal member42bcan include one or more horizontal segments that can connect to one another to adjust the length of the horizontal members42b.

FIG. 3depicts an embodiment of the swinging aid with the horizontal member extended from the adjustable stand.

The horizontal member42cof the swinging aid10dcan extend from the adjustable stand46b.

The horizontal member42ccan include a plurality of horizontal segments43a,43b, and43c. The horizontal segments43a-43ccan be telescoping or otherwise configured to be selectively expanded. The horizontal segments43a-43ccan be connected or secured to one another by one or more joints, fasteners, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the horizontal segments43a-43ccan be nested and extendable, telescoping, connectable, and securable in a desired location; thereby allowing the horizontal member42cto be extended and retracted from the adjustable stand46b. The horizontal segments43a-43ccan be securable in a desired location by a force fit, mechanical fasteners, or other means.

The adjustable stand46bcan be made of a plurality of vertical segments58a,58b,58c, and58dthat are configured to be fastened together. For example, mechanical fasteners, force fits, snap latches, or the like can be used to secure the vertical segments58a-58din place.

The vertical segments58a-58dcan be nested within one another and can be extracted or expanded to increase the height of the adjustable stand46b.

The vertical segments58a-58dcan be telescoping or otherwise configured to be selectively expanded.

The vertical segments58a-58dcan be connected or secured to one another by joints59a,59b, and59c. The joints59a-59ccan be configured to secure the vertical segments58a-58din place. For example, mechanical fasteners, snap latches and holes, force fits, or combinations thereof can be used to form the joints59a-59c.

The base50acan connect to the first vertical segment58a. The base50acan have one or more tubular base members.

The holding means30ccan include a hook44attached to the horizontal member42c, and a latch45attached to the head gear22. The hook44can be engaged with the latch45.

FIG. 4depicts another embodiment of the base.

The base50ccan be a triangular base.

FIG. 5depicts an embodiment of the head gear.

The head gear22can have an adjustable halo, including a padded portion27aand an adjustable portion27b, which can be adjusted such that the head gear22can fit heads of various sizes.