Abstract:
A swing exercising device includes a base; a handle coupled to the base; and means for attaching a ball to the base.

Description:
[0001]     The present invention relates to a swing exercise device.  
         [0002]     Golfing is a sport which requires practice. A well practiced golf swing is an important element of successful golfing. Improvements in swing technique, and practice of that technique, are required in order for a golfer to improve his or her performance. However, green fees are expensive and a golfer does not always have convenient access to a golf course or driving range in which to practise. Consequently, there exists a need for a device which allows a golfer to practise his or her golf swing within a confined area such as a back yard or garage.  
         [0003]     A primary consideration in the design of such a device is safety. Golf balls when driven at full force are potentially lethal projectiles, and when used within a confined space represent a potential danger not only to people within the immediate vicinity, but also to the golfer. Thus a golf swing practice device must prevent the golf ball from becoming a dangerous projectile once the golf ball is hit by quickly arresting the motion of the golf ball so as to dissipate the golf ball&#39;s energy. The device must also minimize the possibility of potentially dangerous rebounding of the golf ball from the device. Advantageously, a golf swing practice device must be constructed of a minimum of materials to reduce manufacturing cost, and must be easily assembled and disassembled for convenience of use.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,167 to Felix discloses a golf swing practice device with a netting supported from a frame to provide a wedge-shaped pocket. The length of the sides of the wedge are adjustable to permit the open end of the wedge to be rotated by rotating the portion of the frame supporting the open end of the wedge with respect to the portion of the frame supporting the length of the wedge to permit a golfer to stand within the opening while avoiding the frame of the opening with his swing.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,021 to Lary shows a sports swing exercise device composed of a weight attached to a shaft by means of a spring. When the shaft is swung, the muscles used in the swing are not only strengthened with repeat use, they are stretched toward full articulation with the spring as it eases the transition of momentum and inertia at the ends of the swing from one direction to its opposite.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,637 to Wang notes that golf ball swinging practice structures are also available. One such product is comprised of a rotary assembly mounted on a support, with a golf ball assembly pivot mounted to the rotary assembly; furthermore, the rotary assembly consists of an upper and lower shell, each having a semicircular recess along the inner walls and two ribs, respectively, and positioned in between the two pairs of ribs is a bearing mounted on the relatively small diameter tip of the support and secured in place by a lock pin; the inner sides of the upper and lower shell form a containment cavity, and there is an insertion slot in the containment cavity of the lower shell; the golf ball assembly consists of a pliable plastic rod, a retainer, and a golf ball, of which a sphere is formed on the upper end of the pliable plastic rod which enables a restraining insertion into the containment cavity of the rotary assembly. Wang in turn discloses a golf practice device with a base having on the top surface a section of artificial turf and a positioning support. A rod is pivot mounted to the front end of the positioning support and the leading end of the rod is pivot mounted to a ball to form the directional control mount. The rod of the directional control mount is inserted such that the ball enters a threaded section, at the bottom end of which is the connection rod of a swivel mount having an internal spherical-shaped space, and until the threaded section is situated laterally against the ball of the direction control mount. This enables assembly to the swivel mount so that the ball of the direction control mount is contained in the swivel fitting of the swivel assembly. The swivel mount and the connection rod at the top and bottom ends of the swivel assembly are structurally coordinated with a golf ball at the bottom end of another rod forming the golf ball assembly.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     In one aspect, a swing exercising device includes a base; a handle coupled to the base; and means for attaching a ball to the base.  
         [0008]     Implementations of the above aspect may include one or more of the following. The means for attaching a ball can include a coiled spring fastened to one side of the base, whereby when the ball is struck, the coiled spring returns the ball to its resting position. The base includes an opening and wherein said means for attaching a ball comprises a pivotable arm inserted into said opening, wherein when the ball is struck, the arm allows the ball to orbit around said opening above said base. The means for attaching a ball can also include a retainer secured in the base; a coiled spring fastened to the retainer; and a string coupled to the coiled spring, whereby when the ball is struck, the coiled spring and string return the ball to its resting position. A tube can be mounted on top of the base and adapted to receive said string therethrough. The means for attaching a ball can also include a stand projecting above the base;an arm projecting from the stand; and a ring rotatably coupled to the arm. A distance indicator can be coupled to the stand. A string can be attached to the ring. The ball can be a golf ball. The base can also be rectangular in shape to resemble a brief-case.  
         [0009]     The means for attaching a ball can also include a first hollow tube; and a second tube rotatably coupled to and slideably engaging the first hollow tube to adjust a ball height setting. An arm can be connected to the second tube. The ball can be mounted on one end of the arm with a counterweight coupled to the other end of the arm. A spring can be connected to the arm and the ball. The tubes can be rectangular tubes or cylindrical tubes.  
         [0010]     The above means can include a counter ball; a spring coupled to the counter ball; and a string coupled to the spring and to the ball. The base is elongated in shape. In another device, an arm can be connected to the second tube; a stopper coupled to one end of the arm; a ring positioned on the arm between the second tube and the stopper; and a string can be connected to the ring and the ball. The ball can be a baseball.  
         [0011]     Advantages of system may include one or more of the following. The system promotes exercises that require swinging. The system enables users to build strength and endurance. The system provides a portable device that can be used away from the sports field of play to strengthen and condition muscles at any time the athlete may desire. Other advantages include enabling the user to increase power, strength, stamina and range of motion during the sports swing. The system saves time in retrieving balls and is convenient to users as they don&#39;t have to walk long distances to retrieve balls. As a result, the users can have more time to practice and to focus on the art of hitting the balls.  
         [0012]     Further advantages of our invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIGS. 1-9  show various embodiments of systems to improve swings.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0014]     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.  
         [0015]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a first exemplary embodiment of the structure of a swing exerciser is shown. The swing exerciser includes an enclosure  10  having a handle  12  on one side and a pipe  14  on a second side of the enclosure  10 . Attached to the pipe  14  is a spring  16 . At the end of the spring  16  is a ball  18 . The ball  18  can be a golf ball or can be a rubber facsimile of the golf ball. During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted golf ball flies off, but is restrained by the spring  16  and spins around the pipe  14  until the golf ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0016]     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a second exemplary embodiment of the structure of a swing exerciser is shown. The swing exerciser includes an enclosure  20  having a handle  22  on one side and a pipe  24  pivotally inserted through an opening  26  on the top surface of the enclosure  20 . Attached to the pipe  24  is a ball  28 . The ball  28  can be a golf ball or can be a rubber facsimile of the golf ball. During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted golf ball causes the pipe  24  to spin around the opening  26  until the golf ball returns to its rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows a third embodiment with an enclosure  30  having a handle  32  on one side and a pipe  39  on a top side of the enclosure  30 . Projecting through the pipe  39  is a spring  36 . At one end of the spring  36  is a ball  38 , and the other end of the spring  36  is attached to a retainer  34  to secure the spring  36  to the enclosure  30 . The ball  38  can be a golf ball or can be a rubber facsimile of the golf ball. During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted golf ball flies off, but is restrained by the spring  36  and spins around the pipe  39  until the golf ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a fourth embodiment. The embodiment of  FIG. 4  is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , but without the pipe. In  FIG. 4 , an enclosure  40  has a handle  42  on one side and an opening on another side of the enclosure  40 . Projecting through the opening is a string  47 . At one end of the string  47  is a ball  48 , and the other end of the string  47  is attached to a spring  46 , which in turn is attached to a retainer  44  to secure the spring  46  to the enclosure  40 . The ball  48  can be a golf ball or can be a rubber facsimile of the golf ball. During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted golf ball flies off, but is restrained by the spring  46  and string  47  and spins around the opening until the golf ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0019]     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a fifth embodiment is shown. An enclosure  50  has a handle  52  on one side and a stand  54 . Optionally, a distance indicator  53  is mounted on the stand  54 . An arm  55  projects horizontally from the stand  54 . A ring  56  is rotatably mounted on the arm  55 . A pipe  57  is connected to the ring  56 , and a string  59  is attached to the other end of the pipe  57 . A ball  58  is attached to the remaining end of the string  59 . During practice, the swing exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the golf swing, the golf club is aligned with the golf ball and after the golf ball is hit, the impacted golf ball is restrained by the string  59  and spins around the arm  55  until the golf ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced. A sensor can be mounted on either the stand  54  or the arm  55  to predict the flight distance of the ball and reports the distance on the distance indicator  53 .  
         [0020]      FIGS. 6-9  show various embodiments for baseball training. In  FIG. 6 , a base  60  is provided to rest on a flat surface. A pipe  62  projects from the base  60 . The pipe  62  can be plastic or rubber in one embodiment. A second pipe  63  is inserted into the pipe  62 . The second pipe  63  can be rubber of plastic in one embodiment. The second pipe  63  can rest on one end of the pipe  62 , or can be elevated to a desired height above the pipe  62  using suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art, including a screw, latch, key or flange to secure the top of the second pipe  63  at a predetermined height. A pipe top piece  64  is positioned on the top of the second pipe  63  and the top piece  64  receives an arm  65  therethrough. The arm  65  can be plastic, rubber, wood, or metal, among others. Attached to one end of the arm  65  is a ball  68 . Additionally, attached to the other end of the arm  65  is a counterweight  66 . During practice, the baseball exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the baseball swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the ball is hit, the impacted ball spins around the pipe  62 / 63  until the ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0021]     In  FIG. 7 , a base  70  is provided to rest on a flat surface. A pipe  72  projects from the base  70 . The pipe  72  can be plastic or rubber in one embodiment. A second pipe  74  is inserted into the pipe  72 . The second pipe  74  can be rubber of plastic in one embodiment. The second pipe  74  can rest on one end of the pipe  72 , or can be elevated to a desired height above the pipe  72  using suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art, including a screw, latch, key or flange to secure the top of the second pipe  74  at a predetermined height. A pipe top piece  75  is positioned on the top of the second pipe  74  and the top piece  75  is connected to an arm  76  which can be plastic, rubber, wood, or metal, among others. Attached to one end of the arm  76  is a spring  77 , which in turn is connected to a ball  78 . During practice, the baseball exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the baseball swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the ball is hit, the impacted ball spins around the pipe  72 / 74  until the ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0022]     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , another baseball practice device is shown. As in  FIG. 7 , a base  80  supports a pipe  81 . A second pipe  82  is inserted into the pipe  81  to allow height adjustment. The second pipe  82  has openings through both ends of the pipe  82 . In the end that is inserted into the pipe  81 , a counterweight ball  87  (which can be made from steel or iron, for example), is connected to a spring  86 . The second end of the spring  86  is in turn connected to one end of a string  84 . The other end of the string  84  is then connected to a ball  88  for practice. During practice, the baseball exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the baseball swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the ball is hit, the impacted ball flies off, but is restrained by the string/spring/and counterweight ball. The spring  86  eventually returns the ball  88  to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  shows yet another embodiment of a baseball practice device. In  FIG. 9 , a base  90  is provided to rest on a flat surface. A pipe  91  projects from the base  90 . The pipe  91  can be plastic or rubber in one embodiment. A second pipe  92  is inserted into the pipe  91 . The second pipe  92  can be rubber of plastic in one embodiment. The second pipe  92  can rest on one end of the pipe  91 , or can be elevated to a desired height above the pipe  91  using suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art, including a screw, latch, key or flange to secure the top of the second pipe  92  at a predetermined height. The top end of the pipe  92  receives an arm  93  therethrough. The arm  93  can be plastic, rubber, wood, or metal, among others. A lock or stopper  95  is positioned at one end of the arm  93 . Slidably attached between the arm  93  and the lock  95  is a ring  94 . Attached to the ring  94  is a support structure  96 , which in turn is connected to a string  97 . The string  97  is connected to a ball  68 . In another embodiment, the string  97  can also be a spring. Additionally, attached to the other end of the arm  93  is a counterweight  99 . During practice, the baseball exerciser is placed on a flat surface. When utilized to practice the baseball swing, the bat is aligned with the ball and after the ball is hit, the impacted ball spins around the arm  93  until the ball returns to its original rest position, at which time another swing can be practiced.  
         [0024]     Specific ways to swing the device are as many as are the training desires of people using the device. The device can be swung through a full swing and allowed to stretch the muscles as for improving the fulll safe articulation range of the athlete. The device can be swung partially through a swing then stopped and swung in the reverse direction and back again many times to rapidly loosen and stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons that helps ready the muscles for athletic activity. By repeating the swinging motion many times, the muscle tissue used in the desired swing path of the athlete is strengthened.  
         [0025]     While the above description contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. For example, the weight  22  may be of many different sizes, weights, shapes and materials, as may the shafts  12 , grip  13  and spring  11 . Further, the means of attachment of the spring  11  to the shaft  12  and the weight  22  may be accomplished by many other methods than a straight pin, the channel in the weight  18  may assume many different shapes, depths and sizes, the filler material  16  may be epoxy, steel, or other material, and so forth. Accordingly, the scope of the invention  10  should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but the appended claims and their legal equivalents.