Abstract:
This invention relates generally to training a user how to correctly throw a ball, and more specifically, a training, physical, or occupational therapy aid that can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate a user&#39;s muscles and joints.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/904,917 filed on Nov. 15, 2013 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many people have the desire for correcting the way they throw a ball. In the sport of baseball, it is common for pitchers to have poor form when pitching the ball. One of the most common improper ways of pitching a ball is termed a “side arm.” Repetitive side arm motions can result in debilitating deterioration of the elbow joint and ligament, otherwise known as a Tommy John, affectionately named after the first baseball player to undergo surgery for this type of injury. This injury ultimately requires invasive surgery to repair the elbow joint and ligament. Surgery required for correcting this injury is known as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. In the event that the surgery is not successful, the player&#39;s career could end. 
         [0003]    Also problematic is the injury that young ball players can sustain from an improper throwing technique. If the growth plate, the medial epicondylar epiphysis, is still open, repeatedly throwing in a side arm fashion will exert excessive force on the growth plate and cause failure in this location, rather than at the ulnar collateral ligament. This injury is commonly known as “Little League Elbow,” and although it does not require reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament, it is still a very devastating injury for a young ball player to sustain. However, injuries caused by improper throwing techniques can be prevented by the use of correct throwing techniques. 
         [0004]    Currently, there are devices available, such as an elbow brace, which assists with correctly positioning the arm during ball throwing. There are also devices available for strengthening the arm or shoulder. In addition, there are devices available that assist the user with throwing a ball or other object across a distance. However, these devices do not assist with training a user to improve or correct their throw, or to strengthen a user&#39;s arm or shoulder after an injury. Consequently, there is a need for a ball throwing training device that is easy and intuitive to use. 
         [0005]    The present invention overcomes several of the deficiencies, disadvantages and undesired parameters associated with known ball throwing training apparatuses. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention is a unique ball throwing training device. The ball throwing training device has a longitudinal body portion containing a proximal end and a distal end. The device also has a first ball shaped object coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device, the longitudinal body portion is made from an inflexible material. The inflexible material can be fiberglass, metal, plastic or wood. Additionally, the longitudinal body portion can be made up of two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. The two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size can be joined together by any means. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion can have a moveable portion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. The moveable portion can be a pivot joint, a flexible portion, or a spring mechanism. The moveable portion can also have a locking mechanism to prevent the moveable portion from moving or bending. The first ball-shaped object can be coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. The mechanical means can be a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or an adhesive. The first ball-shaped object can be any size. Optionally, the first ball-shaped object can be a ball, such as, for example, a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. Optionally, the ball throwing training device can have a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. The second ball-shaped object can be any size. The second ball-shaped object can be a ball, and it could be a baseball, a softball, a tennis ball, or a football. The second ball-shaped object can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion via mechanical means. The mechanical means can be a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive. Optionally, a strap can be coupled to the device and the user. 
         [0007]    The invention is also a method of using the ball throwing training device. The method of using the ball throwing training device includes the steps of first grasping the first ball-shaped object in the user&#39;s hand, placing the longitudinal body portion underneath the user&#39;s arm and against the user&#39;s side, then placing the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion against the lower back of the user such that the user&#39;s hand holding the first ball-shaped object is above shoulder height and rotating the user&#39;s arm such that the hand holding the first ball-shaped object rotates from above the user&#39;s shoulder height to below the user&#39;s shoulder. The rotation of the user&#39;s arm forward lifts the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. 
         [0008]    The invention can also be used as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. The strengthening device has a longitudinal body portion and a first ball-shaped object. The longitudinal body portion has a proximal end and a distal end and the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion can be made up of two or more longitudinal body portions of variable size. The arm strengthening device can also have a second ball-shaped object coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. Optionally, a strap can be coupled to the device and the user. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a ball throwing training device; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of an example of the mechanical means by which the first ball-shaped object is coupled to the distal end of the stick portion of the ball throwing training device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a ball throwing training device with a flexible portion in the distal end; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of an exploded view of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing the movement of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of an exploded view of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of an example of the flexible portion of the ball throwing training device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of the ball throwing training device in use; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of a harness affixed to the ball throwing training device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Definitions 
       [0019]    As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the contest in which such term is used. 
         [0020]    The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise. 
         [0021]    As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers ingredients or steps. 
         [0022]    The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. 
       Ball Throwing Training Device 
       [0023]    The device described herein can be used as a ball throwing training device used to train a user to correctly throw a ball, or as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. The device can also be used in physical or occupational therapy as an aid to strengthen a user&#39;s arm and shoulder. In use, the device engages the user&#39;s arm, shoulder, neck and trunk muscles, such as, for example, forearm flex muscles, forearm extensor muscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, side muscles, and trapezius muscles. It is contemplated that adults and children of any size can use the device. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  shows a diagram of a ball throwing training device  100 . The ball throwing training device has a longitudinal body portion  114  and a first ball-shaped object  102  coupled to the longitudinal body portion. The head portion  110  couples the first ball-shaped object to the longitudinal body portion  114 . The length of longitudinal body portion  114  can be extended or shortened to accommodate users of different sizes and physiology. The longitudinal body portion  114  can be made up of one body portion, or it can segmented and made up of different sized longitudinal body portions as shown by first segmented longitudinal body portion  104 , second segmented longitudinal body portion  106 , and third segmented longitudinal body portion  108 . The different sized first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions  104 ,  106 ,  108  can be coupled together to form the longitudinal body portion  114 . The size and number of segmented longitudinal body portions can be combined as desired by the user.  FIG. 1B  shows an example of how first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions  104 ,  106 ,  108  can be coupled to the head portion  110  containing the first ball-shaped object  102 . 
         [0025]    As an example, for a ball throwing device of thirty-three inches long, the first segmented longitudinal body portion  104  can be fourteen inches long, the second segmented longitudinal body portion  106  can be twelve inches long, the segmented longitudinal body portion  108  can be four inches long, and the head portion  110  can be three inches long. 
         [0026]    The longitudinal body portion  114  can be of any size needed so that the user of the ball throwing training device  100  can comfortably hold the first ball-shaped object  102  while the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion  114  rests on the user&#39;s lower back. It is contemplated that the longitudinal body portion  114  can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the user. Optionally, the longitudinal body portion  114  can comprise a telescoping form, such that the first, second and third segmented body portions  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and the head portion  110  retract into each other, making transportation of the device very easy. 
         [0027]    The longitudinal body portion  114 , the first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions  104 ,  106  and  108 , and the head portion  110  can be made from any inflexible material such as, for example, fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, steel alloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass, tin, leather or brass. 
         [0028]    The first ball-shaped object  102  can be made from any material. For example, the first ball-shaped object  102  can be made from foam, metal, plastic, rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin, wood, or brass. It is contemplated that the first ball-shaped object  102  will be in the form of a ball used in a sporting event, such as, for example, a baseball, football, tennis ball, soft ball, golf ball, basketball volleyball, and racquet ball. The first ball-shaped object  102  can also be a squeeze ball, a glow in the dark ball, a marble, or a weighted ball. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device  100 , the proximal end of the first size of a longitudinal body portion  104  can be optionally coupled to a second ball-shaped object  112 . The second ball-shaped object  112  can be made from any material such as, for example, foam, metal, plastic, rubber, glass, leather, aluminum, tin, wood, or brass. It is contemplated that the most common second ball-shaped object  112  will be in the form of a ball used in a sporting event such as, for example, a baseball, football, tennis ball, soft ball, golf ball, basketball, volleyball, and racquet ball. The second ball-shaped object  112  can also be a squeeze ball, a glow in the dark ball, a marble, or a weighted ball. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a diagram of one embodiment of the ball throwing training device  100 , wherein the first ball-shaped object  102  is coupled to the head portion  110  at an angle to the head portion  114 . The angle of coupling of the first ball-shaped object  102  to the head portion  114  can be any angle.  FIG. 2  shows the head portion  110  with a mechanical means  202  of attachment coupled at approximately a 90 degree angle to the distal end of the head portion  110 . The mechanical means  202  of attachment is coupled to the first ball-shaped object  102  via a receptor  204  in the first ball-shaped object  102 . The mechanical means  202  can comprise any means of attaching the head portion  110  to the first ball-shaped object, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint, or adhesive. 
         [0030]    Additionally, it should be noted that the first ball-shaped object  102  can either remain stationary on the mechanical means  202  of attachment, or it can rotate about the mechanical means  202  as the user rotates their wrist during use of the device, as described in further detail below. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment of the ball throwing training device  100 , the head portion  110  can have a spacer  208  added to it extend the length of the head portion  110 . This allows the ball throwing training device  100  to be adapted to users of varying heights.  FIG. 2A  shows the head portion  110  comprising a bottom piece  206 , coupled to a spacer  208 , which is then coupled to a top piece  210 . The parts of the head portion  110  can be coupled by any means, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint or adhesive.  FIG. 2B  shows the head portion  110  without a spacer  208 , so that the bottom piece  206  is directly coupled to the top piece  210 . Optionally, head portion  110  can be coupled to either a pivot joint  302  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), or the head portion  110  coupled directly to the longitudinal body portion  114  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0000]    Ball Throwing Training Device with Pivot Joint 
         [0032]    It is also contemplated that the ball throwing training device of the present invention can have a moveable portion proximate to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion  114 . The movable portion can be any means in order that the distal portion of the longitudinal body portion  114  can be moved. In one embodiment of a ball throwing training device with moveable portion, the ball throwing training device with pivot joint  300 , the longitudinal body portion  114  is coupled to a pivot joint  302  ( FIG. 3 ). The pivot joint  302  causes either side of the longitudinal body portion  114  to which it is coupled to rotate about the pivot joint  302 . 
         [0033]    As with the ball throwing training device described above and shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the longitudinal body portion  114  can be adjusted by the use of any number of first, second and third segmented longitudinal body portions  104 ,  106 ,  108  in order to accommodate users of different heights ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ).  FIG. 3C  shows a fourth segmented longitudinal body portion  304  that can be added to the longitudinal body portion  144 . The segmented longitudinal body portions can be coupled together in any order via any mechanical means, such as, for example, a screw, nail, clip, snap, ball joint or adhesive. 
         [0034]    The longitudinal body portion  114 , the first, second, third and fourth segmented longitudinal body portions  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and  304 , and the head portion  110  can be made from any inflexible material such as, for example, fiberglass, metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, steel alloy, copper tubing, bamboo, paper, glue, rubber, glass, tin, leather or brass. 
         [0035]    As with the ball throwing training device  100  previously described, the ball throwing training device with pivot joint  300  can have a first ball-shaped object  102  coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion  114 , and optionally a second ball-shaped object  112  can be coupled to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion  114 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the movable pivot joint  302 . The movable pivot joint  302  comprises a top piece  402  and a bottom piece  406 .  FIG. 4A  shows a view of the top piece  402  with pivot pin  404  of the movable pivot joint  302  from the top and  FIG. 4B  shows a view of the top piece  402  from the side.  FIG. 4C  is a view of the bottom piece  406  with pivot pin  404  from the top and  FIG. 4D  is a view of the bottom piece  406  from the side. Pivot pin  404  holds the top piece  402  and bottom piece  406  together. The top piece  402  has a first hole  408  for the pivot pin  404  to pass through. The bottom piece  406  has a second hole  410  for the pivot pin  404  to pass through. The top piece  402  has an elongated portion  412 , which is designed to fit between the two extensions  414  of the bottom piece  406 . When the elongated portion  412  from the top piece  402  is sandwiched between the two extensions  414  of the bottom piece  406 , the first hole  408  and the second hole  410  line up, and the pivot pin  404  passes through and creates the movable pivot joint  302 . Optionally, the movable pivot joint  302  can have a means for locking the pivot joint, making the pivot joint unmovable, as described further below. 
         [0037]      FIG. 5  shows the motion that the movable pivot joint  302  provides for the ball throwing training device with pivot joint  300 .  FIG. 5A  shows the movable pivot joint  302  before it is pivoted by the user.  FIG. 5B  shows the movable pivot joint  302  in the pivoted position. The longitudinal body portion  114  remains stationary while the head portion  110 , while the first ball-shaped object  102  attached to the distal end of the head portion  110  pivots to the desired position. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a diagram of a locking mechanism  602  that is designed to lock the pivot joint  302  in a straight position. The locking mechanism  602  can be in the form of a sleeve that slides up and around the pivot joint  302 , preventing the pivot joint  302  from moving. Optionally, the locking mechanism  602  can be spring loaded to provide easy use. 
         [0039]    Optionally, the locking mechanism  602  can comprise a first opening  606  and a second opening  608 . There can also be a button  604 , which can be located in the bottom piece  406  of the pivot joint  302 . The button  604  can be spring loaded for easy use. When the locking mechanism  602  is in the “unlocked” position, the locking mechanism  602  is below the pivot joint  302 , and the button  604  is extending up through the second opening  608  in the locking mechanism  602 . To activate the locking mechanism  602  and move it into the “locked” position, the user must depress the button  604  out of the second opening  608 , slide the locking mechanism  602  up and over the pivot joint, and allow the button  604  to extend up through the first opening  606  in the locking mechanism  602 , which prevents the locking mechanism  602  from sliding off the pivot joint  302 . To disengage the locking mechanism  602 , the user depresses the button  604  out of the first opening  606 , slides the locking mechanism  602  down and off the pivot joint  302 , and allows the button  604  to extend up through the second opening  608 . 
         [0000]    Ball Throwing Training Device with Flexible Portion 
         [0040]    It is also contemplated that the moveable portion made out of flexible material. Referring now to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment of the ball throwing training device  100 , the longitudinal body portion  114  is coupled to a flexible portion  704 . The flexible portion  704  has first connector  702  on the proximal end of the flexible portion  704 . The first connector  702  can be coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion  114 . The flexible portion  704  also has a second connector  706  attached to the distal end of the flexible portion  704 . The second connector  706  is coupled to the proximal end of head portion  110 . The distal end of head portion  110  has a mechanical means  202  to couple to the first ball-shaped object  102 . 
         [0041]    The flexible portion  704  is designed to be freely manipulated in any direction by the user, to achieve the desired positioning with very minimal effort. This allows for easy accommodation of users still recovering from injuries. Due to the injuries they may not be able to achieve the desired throwing position. 
         [0000]    Ball Throwing Training Device with Straps or Harness 
         [0042]    It is contemplated that the ball throwing training device  100  can contain a means for attaching the ball throwing training device  100  to the user. In one embodiment with a harness, the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion  104  can be coupled to a waist belt or harness to secure the ball throwing training device  100  to the user in the correct position. The use of a harness  900  is shown in  FIG. 9 . The harness  900  is attached to the user&#39;s waist by a first belt  910 . The harness can optionally have straps  916  that extend from the first belt  910  horizontally across the user&#39;s back and is fastened around the users chest and upper back by means of a second belt  918 . The second ball-shaped object  112  is attached to the first belt  910  at a location  912  in the center of the user&#39;s lower back by a first flexible means  914 , such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The harness can also be attached to the second belt  918  by a second flexible means  920 , such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment of the ball throwing training device  100 , the proximal end of the first longitudinal body portion  114  can be strapped to the user&#39;s arm in order to secure the ball throwing training device  100  in the correct position (not shown). The straps can be located around the user&#39;s wrist and bicep. 
         [0044]    A harness  900  or straps can also be used with the ball throwing training device with pivot joint  300  or flexible portion  704 . 
       Use of the Ball Throwing Training Device 
       [0045]      FIG. 8  depicts the method of using the ball throwing training device  100 . The placement of the ball throwing training device  100  and movement allowed by the ball throwing training device  100  corrects the user&#39;s form, and aligns the user&#39;s elbow properly in order to avoid improper throwing form the damaging side-arm motion. The user grasps the first ball-shaped object  102  in either hand, and positions either the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion  114 , or the second ball-shaped object  112 , against their lower back, so that the longitudinal body portion  114  runs along the back of the user, against the user&#39;s side, under the user&#39;s arm and along the user&#39;s forearm. The user then raises their hand and arm to the desired starting position, which is ideally above shoulder height. The user then moves the ball into a second ending position that is lower than the starting position. The user moves the ball by rotating their arm forward such that the ending position is below the user&#39;s shoulder. This rotation forward can also involve some rotation of the wrist forward as well. This movement will cause the first ball-shaped object to rotate on the head portion  110 , and causes the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion to move away from the user&#39;s lower back. However, the longitudinal body portion will remain against the user&#39;s side. 
         [0046]    In the case of a ball throwing training device with pivot joint  300 , the device starts in the same starting position as described above for the ball throwing training device  100 . The user then moves the ball into an ending position that is lower than the starting position by rotating their arm forward. In use, the first ball shaped object is stationary relative to the head portion  110 , and only the movable pivot joint  302  moves during use.  FIG. 5A  shows the movable pivot joint  302  in the starting position.  FIG. 5B  shows the movable pivot joint  302  in the ending position. 
         [0047]    Similarly, in the ball throwing training device with flexible portion  704 , the user holds the device in the starting position. The user then moves the ball into an ending position that is lower than the starting position. In use, the first ball shaped object is stationary relative to the head portion  110 , and only the movable flexible portion  704  moves during use, and then automatically returns to the starting position. 
         [0048]    When used with a harness  900 , the user attaches the harness  900  by means of the first belt  910  and optional second belt  918 . The second ball-shaped object  112  is attached to the first belt  910  at a location  912  in the center of the user&#39;s lower back by a first flexible means  914 , such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The harness can also be attached to the second belt  918  by a second flexible means  920 , such as an elastic strap or retractable cord. The user grasps the first ball-shaped object  102  in the first starting position and moves it to the ending position. The second ball-shaped object  112  moves from a first position to a second position when the first ball-shaped object  102  is moved from the first starting position to the ending position. The harness in combination with the first flexible means  914  can provide resistance for the user&#39;s muscles. 
       Use of the Device as an Arm and Shoulder Strengthening Device 
       [0049]    It is also contemplated that any of the ball throwing devices described above can be used as an arm and shoulder strengthening device. The movement described above can strengthen areas of the arm and shoulder. In use, the device engages the user&#39;s arm, shoulder, neck and trunk muscles, such as, for example, forearm flex muscles, forearm extensor muscles, biceps, triceps, deltoids, chest muscles, side muscles, and trapezius muscles. The device can be used in physical or occupational therapy as an aid to strengthen a user&#39;s arm, shoulder, and trunk muscles. 
         [0050]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible. The steps disclosed for the present methods, for example, are not intended to be limiting nor are they intended to indicate that each step is necessarily essential to the method, but instead are exemplary steps only. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of preferred embodiments contained in this disclosure. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.