Abstract:
A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from Utility Application 11/394,328 filed Mar. 28, 2006 which claims priority from Provisional Application 60/667,712 filed Apr. 01, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to the mechanical arts. In particular, the invention relates to a training aid used by ball sports players to learn and/or improve batting, throwing, and pitching techniques. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Ball sports players have trained with the implements of their sports for centuries. For example, since the 1850&#39;s baseball players have used the wooden bats of their sport to practice batting balls thrown by a pitcher. Since the 1960&#39;s there has also been widespread use of pitching machines that emulate the pitcher. Similarly, pitchers and throwers have practiced by throwing a ball to a second person who returns the ball after each pitch. 
         [0006]    Ball player training therefore frequently relies the availability of a second person who pitches balls in the case of batter training, or returns balls in the case of pitcher and thrower training. In addition, either the second person or a third person will be required to observe batting or throwing technique that is unobservable to the player, that the player is unable to analyze for diagnostic purposes, or both. The opportunities for ball player training are therefore limited by the availability of a second person and the effectiveness of ball player training is limited by the availability of a person who provides diagnostic feedback to the player. 
         [0007]    Others have invented training aids for baseball batters that are aimed at solving some of these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. App. Publ. 2002/0055402 discloses a training bat having a handle, a shaft, and a graspable cylindrical sliding member mounted between stops on the training bat. When swung, the sliding member strikes one of the stops and produces a sound. But, this training bat fails to provide sufficient visual signals to the player, sufficient swing diagnostics, or a solution to the shock and shock related swing distortion and wear problems associated with the repetitive collisions between sliding and stationary parts. 
         [0008]    Others have also invented training aids for throwing that are aimed at solving some of these problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,660 discloses a training aid for throwing sports balls having a hollow shaft with a hand grip affixed at one end. A ring encircling or a dowel within the shaft is free to move in response to a throw and to collide with a stop to produce a sound. But, this training thrower fails to provide ball release training and diagnostics nor does it provide a solution to the shock and shock related swing distortion and wear problems associated with the repetitive collisions of the ring or dowel with a stop. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there remains a need for ball sports training aids that provide sufficient visual signals and swing diagnostics to players in training. There remains a further need for ball sports training aids that provide ball release training and diagnostics for throwers. And, there remains a still further need for a solution to the shock and shock related swing distortion and wear problems associated with the repetitive collisions of contacting parts. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention discloses a training aid for players of ball sports. In particular, the training aid is useful for teaching baseball and softball players proper swing mechanics. In an embodiment, the training aid has a relatively long shaft and is used for training batters. In another embodiment the training aid has a relatively short shaft and is used for training pitchers and throwers. These embodiments employ a ball assembly that slides along a distal portion of the shaft during a swing or a throw. The travel of the ball assembly is limited by a first retainer located near a handle end of the shaft and a second retainer located near a free-end of the shaft. 
         [0011]    The training aids provide visible and audible swing quality signals to the player. The use of a regulation or replica sports ball provides the player with a visual indication of correct swing timing. In addition, a distinct snap-like sound occurs when the ball assembly impacts the free-end retainer. The sound triggers the memory at impact and allows the user to see the correct timing of the swing. This combined proprioceptive input enhances the player&#39;s awareness of hand-eye coordination and timing while conditioning and training the specific muscles used for batting, pitching, and throwing. 
         [0012]    It is a further advantage of the training aid that a damper is incorporated in the ball assembly to reduce the mechanical shock when the ball assembly collides with the free-end retainer. Coulomb damping resulting from friction between the ball and a damper tube inserted in the ball dissipates the energy of the collision resolving the shock and shock related swing distortion and wear problems associated with the repetitive collisions of contacting parts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1   a  shows a perspective view of the pre-swing configuration of a batter&#39;s training aid of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   b  shows a perspective view of the post-swing configuration of the batter&#39;s training aid depicted in  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  shows a side view of the pre-swing configuration of a replica ball assembly of the batter&#39;s training aid depicted in  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0017]      FIG. 2   b  shows a side view of the post-swing configuration of a replica ball assembly of the batter&#39;s training aid depicted in  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0018]      FIG. 3   a  shows a perspective view of the pre-throw configuration of a pitcher&#39;s training aid of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   b  shows a perspective view of the post-throw configuration of a pitcher&#39;s training aid of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a workout assembly incorporating the batter&#39;s training aid depicted in  FIG. 1   a.    
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows an end view of the unassembled workout assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows an end view of the assembled workout assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]      FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  show a training bat embodiment  100   a ,  100   b  of the present invention. The invention includes a shaft  102 , a first retainer  104 , a second retainer  106 , and a replica sports ball assembly  108 . 
         [0024]    The shaft  102  of the training bat  100  has a handle end  110  and a free-end  112 . A handle section of the shaft  114  adjacent to the handle end provides space for the batter to hold the bat with two hands. While the batter may hold the bare shaft, some embodiments provide a grip  116  attached to the handle section for improving the batter&#39;s control of the bat. A knob  116  is preferably located at the handle end of the shaft to prevent the player&#39;s accidental release of the bat. In an embodiment, the shaft is a metallic tube. In some the embodiments the weight of the training bat and its weight distribution are similar to that of a regulation bat for baseball or for softball. 
         [0025]    The ball assembly  108  is slidably engaged with the shaft  102 . The first ball assembly retainer  104  is located between the handle section  114  and the free-end  112  of the bat  100 . A second ball assembly retainer  106  is located near the free-end. The two retainers limit the sliding motion of the ball assembly to a region of the shaft located between the two retainers. 
         [0026]    In an embodiment, the location of the first retainer  104  may be adjusted to select the length of travel of the ball assembly  108  during a swing and in some embodiments the second retainer  106  is replaceable for adjusting the weight at the free-end of the shaft. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show the parts of the ball assembly  108   a ,  108   b . The ball assembly includes a light-weight replica sports ball  202  such as a replica sports ball such as a replica baseball or a replica softball and a damper tube  204  which is inserted in a hole in the sports ball. 
         [0028]    The replica sports ball  202  has a through hole  206 . In a preferred embodiment, the hole has a substantially constant cross-sectional area defining a geometric centerline that is about coextensive with an axis x-x passing through the center of the ball. In some embodiments, the replica sports ball is a regulation baseball or softball with a through hole. And, in some embodiments the sports ball is made from one or more materials including a light weight core material such as cork (density of  100 - 300  kilograms/cubic-meter). 
         [0029]    The damper tube has a flanged end  216 , a butt end  214 , and an inner surface  210 . The butt end is for striking a cup shaped surface  120  of the first retainer  104 . The flanged end is for striking an annular surface  118  of the second retainer  106  and for making an audible sound. In some embodiments one or both ends of the damper tube are butt ends and in some embodiments one or both ends of the damper tube are flanged ends. The damper tube is preferable made from a plastic material such as polyethylene. 
         [0030]    The outer surface of the damper tube  218  is in sliding contact or dampingly engaged with the side walls of the through hole  212  since the fit between the outer surface of the damper tube and the side walls of the through hole is an interference fit (gap shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  is for clarity). The amount of interference, material, and material surface properties determine the force required to overcome the related frictional forces tending to prevent the replica sports ball  202  from sliding along the damper tube  204 . In an embodiment, the damper tube and the through hole  206  have generally circular cross-sections. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, a suitable resilient material such as textiles including felts and piled materials or an elastomer including foams is interposed between the outer surface of the damper tube  218  and the side walls of the through hole  206 . Preferably, the resilient material is attached to the side walls of the through hole such that the damper tube  204  slides with respect to an adjacent surface of the resilient material which rubs against it. In an embodiment the resilient material is an elastomer such as an open-cell foam. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, an electronic signaling device  122  is mounted within the shaft  102  and/or within the second retainer  106  (as shown). The signaling device emits an audible sound in response to the flanged end of the damper tube  216  reaching the second retainer  106 . In an embodiment, an electronic sensing and signaling device provides swing diagnostics information including swing dynamics based on data acquired from sensors during the swing. Sensors used for this purpose include one or more of accelerometers for sensing relative motion and radio wave type locators including global positioning systems (GPS) and similar systems for obtaining position based on trilateration. Diagnostics are reported to the player and/or other persons using one or more of lighted indications and audible sounds emanating from the training aid and remote printers or video displays. In some embodiments the swing diagnostics are reported by a speech generator in signal communication with the electronic signaling device. 
         [0033]    In operation, the training bat embodiment of the invention  100   a ,  100   b  is used to train and/or improve a batter&#39;s swing. The batter handles the training bat in a manner that is similar to the way in which a regulation bat would be handled by a player. When a swing is made the ball assembly  108  moves from its rest against the first retainer  104 , along the shaft  102 , and impacts the second retainer  106  with an audible snap-like sound. 
         [0034]    When the ball assembly  108  is at rest against the first retainer  104 , the butt end of the damper tube  214  is about flush with the outer surface of the replica sports ball  222  and the flanged end of the damper tube  216  has its maximum projection  219  from the outer surface of the replica sports ball as shown in  FIG. 2   a . When ball assembly  108  nears the free-end of the training bat  112 , the flanged end of the damper tube strikes the annular surface of the second retainer  118 . The mechanical shock of this collision and the associated undesirable wear of the colliding parts is reduced by Coulomb or frictional damping when the ball drags along the outer surface of the damper tube  208  and absorbs a portion of the energy/shock of the collision. Where electronic signaling devices  122  are mounted in the second retainer, the Coulomb damping of the ball assembly plays another important role in preserving the life of these electronic devices by reducing the mechanical shocks experienced during training. 
         [0035]    When the ball assembly  108  comes to rest against the second retainer,  106 , the butt end of the damper tube  214  has its maximum projection  220  from the outer surface of the replica sports ball  222  and the flanged end of the damper tube  216  is about flush with the outer surface of the replica sports ball as shown in  FIG. 2   b . In preparation for another practice swing, the batter grasps the replica sports ball  202  and pulls the ball assembly  108  against the first retainer. This action forces the damper tube back through the replica sports ball such that the maximum projection of the flanged end of the damper tube  219  is restored. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, preparation for another swing requires only that the batter raise the training bat  100  to his shoulder to restore the damper tube&#39;s maximum projection  219 . Here, the act of raising the bat causes the ball assembly  108  to slide back toward the bat&#39;s handle end  114  causing the butt end of the damper tube  214  to strike the first retainer  104 . This collision causes the replica sports ball  202  to slide relative to the damper tube  204  until the butt end of the damper tube is about flush with the outer surface  222  of the replica sports ball  202 . 
         [0037]    The training bat provides a batter with at least three feedback signals from which to judge the quality of his swing. First, the “feel” of the swing informs the batter about the swing. Since the training bat uses a replica sports ball  202  rather than a weight, neither the swing dynamics nor the related player sensations are distorted when the replica sports ball slides along the length of the shaft  102  during the swing. Second, the replica sports ball is easily observed by the batter as the free-end of the training bat  112  passes in front of the batter. A correct swing is one in which the batter observes the replica sports ball reaching the second retainer of the bat just as the bat passes over a batter&#39;s plate. Third, the sound of the damper tube flange  212  striking the annular surface of the second retainer  118  provides a timed, audible indication of when the bat should be passing over the plate. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show a training thrower embodiment  300   a ,  300   b  of the present invention. The invention includes a shaft  302 , a first retainer  304 , a second retainer  306 , and a replica sports ball assembly  108 . Unless otherwise indicated, a reference to a player who is a pitcher also includes a player who is a thrower and vice versa. 
         [0039]    The shaft  302  of the training thrower  300  has a handle end  310  and a free-end  312 . A handle section of the shaft  314  adjacent to the handle end provides space for a pitcher to hold the training thrower with one hand. While the pitcher may hold the bare shaft, some embodiments provide a grip  316  attached to the handle section for improving the pitcher&#39;s control of the thrower. 
         [0040]    The ball assembly  108  is slidably engaged with the shaft  302 . A first ball assembly retainer  304  is located between the handle section  314  and the free-end  312  of the thrower  300 . A second ball assembly retainer  306  is located near the free-end. The two retainers limit the sliding motion of the ball assembly to a region of the shaft located between the two retainers. 
         [0041]    In operation, the training thrower embodiment of the invention  300   a ,  300   b  is used to train and/or improve a pitcher&#39;s throw. The pitcher handles the training thrower in a manner that is similar to the way in which a regulation sports ball would be handled and practices throws. In particular, with one hand the pitcher clasps the handle section of the training thrower  314  against his palm using his small and index fingers. With the remaining fingers, the pitcher grasps the replica sports ball  202 . During practice throws, the pitcher releases the replica sports ball but not the handle. Once released, the ball assembly  108  moves from its rest against the first retainer  304 , along the shaft  302 , and impacts the second retainer  106  with an audible snap-like sound. 
         [0042]    As in the case of the training bat  100  described above, after each throw the damper tube  204  is reset relative to the sports ball  202  when the pitcher grasps the replica sports ball  202  and pulls the ball assembly  108  against the first retainer  304  or in another embodiment when the act of raising the thrower  300  causes the ball assembly to collide with the first retainer  104  in a manner similar to that of the training bat discussed above. In addition, during throws the pitcher receives feedback signals from the thrower similar to those provided by the bat. These signals include the “feel” of the throw, the visible location of the replica sports ball on the shaft  302 , and the sound of the ball assembly striking the second retainer  318 . In some embodiments, electronic signaling and/or diagnostic devices  322  similar to those used in the bat may be incorporated in the thrower. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows a workout assembly  400 . The workout assembly includes a strap  402  interconnecting a weight  406  and the training bat  100 . The strap is made of a flexible material including one or more of a fabric, plastic, or similar material. In an embodiment the strap is woven and includes nylon. The weight is made from a metallic or non-metallic material suitable for achieving the desired mass. In some embodiments the weight has a re-sealable cavity for receiving shot, sand, water, or another material to vary its mass. 
         [0044]    Affixed near a first end of the strap  408  is a first connection  404  for engaging the weight  406 . In an embodiment, the first connection includes a means for releasably engaging the weight such as a spring clip (as shown). Affixed near a second end of the strap  410  is a second connection  504  (see also  FIG. 5 ) for engaging the grip  116  (as shown) or shaft  102  of the training bat. In an embodiment, the second connection includes a hook and loop fastener wherein a first hook and loop fastener portion  504  is attached to the strap and a mating hook and loop fastener portion  502  encircles the grip  116  near the first retainer  104 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view  500  of the strap  402  and the training bat  100  prior to attachment of the strap to the training bat. Where a hook and loop fastener system is used, bringing the first hook and loop fastener portion of the strap  504  into contact with the mating hook and loop fastener portion of the training bat  502  releasably affixes the strap to the training bat. Attaching the weight  406  to the first end of the strap with the spring clip  404  or another suitable means completes assembly. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view  600  of the strap  402  and the training bat  100  during use. Here, the workout assembly  400  provides weight training of an athlete&#39;s hands, wrists, and forearms. This weight training is accomplished when the athlete grasps the training bat with both hands and rotates the training bat&#39;s shaft  102  in alternate directions. When rotated in a first direction  412 , the weight is raised  416  as the strap  402  is spooled  420  onto the training bat. When rotated in a second direction  414 , the weight is lowered  418  as the strap is de-spooled  420  from the training bat. 
         [0047]    As a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the length of the strap  402  can be varied to suit the physical attributes of the athlete. In addition, the mass of the weight  406  can be varied to suit the desired training regime. 
         [0048]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.