Abstract:
Described herein is an athletic training device to aid a user in hip rotation, specifically to help the user increase the strength and speed of the rotation motion of his or her hips for improving performance in sports activities. The present invention is a device to be worn by a user as an athletic training or exercising aid, or a therapeutic aid, helping the user to maintain proper body alignment during a specific body movement involving the hips. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base from which extends an arm, the arm attached to the base by a pivot or hinge point, that allows the arm to move along a linear arc when force is applied to the device, such as the force exerted by a user upon rotation of the hip.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/204,709, filed on Aug. 13, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to the field of athletic training devices, and more particularly to a hip rotation training device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many sports activities, whether throwing a swinging a bat, racquet, or golf club derive their power from the rotation of the hips. There exists a need for a portable device that can be used to improve the strength or speed of hip motion, so important to many sport activities. There also exists a need to provide feedback that would indicate that a user, whether utilizing a device as a training aid for golf, baseball, tennis or karate, is engaged in a proper hip rotation movement. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Described herein is an athletic training device to aid a user in hip rotation, specifically to help the user increase the strength and speed of the rotation motion of his or her hips for improving performance in sports activities. The present invention is a device to be worn by a user as an athletic training or exercising aid, or a therapeutic aid, helping the user to maintain proper body alignment during a specific body movement involving the hips. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the device comprises a base from which extends an arm, the arm attached to the base by a pivot or hinge point, that allows the arm to move along a linear arc when force is applied to the device, such as the force exerted by a user upon rotation of the hip. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the device is configured to permit a user to accelerate the turn of their hip before other parts of the body in a motion that reflects the proper turn sequence that has applications in many different types of athletic endeavors, including a golf swing, or batting swing in baseball, or form movement in karate. The device allows athletes to create better hip rotation, and forces the hip to clear before the other shifting sequences is made in the proper method. The device solves the problem of allowing a user to feel the shift of the hip while practicing, and provides feedback, by way of signaling the user through the action of the arm as it moves against the body of the user, to let them know that the hip is moving first and creating the proper sequence for the correct power source. 
         [0007]    Presently available training devices provide no way of telling that a user&#39;s hips are rotating correctly, because they lack the feedback signal/mechanism provided by the device of the present invention. In one embodiment, the training device is configured as a hip-flip device, wherein the device is worn on the body of the user and moves (flips) from a first position to a second position along the user&#39;s hip region, following movement of a hip rotation, such as when the wearer of the device has completed a golf swing or baseball swing motion, and provides feedback in the way of contact of the arm of the device, with a region of the hip (front or back, depending on the direction of movement). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  shows a top front right isometric view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  shows a bottom rear right isometric view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a left side view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a rear left isometric exploded view of a device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A /B/C shows a top view showing movement of a device according to one embodiment of the invention in response to a user&#39;s body movement. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A /B/C shows a depiction of a golfer wearing the device during an exemplary training movement. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows an illustrative depiction of the feedback to the user engaged in training while wearing the device; the figure shows that upon completion of a hip rotation the device provides feedback to the user as it makes contact with the users hip/waist belt (depicted in the figure by visual indication of sound produced in response to contact). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In one embodiment, an athletic training device comprises an arm extending from a hinge point (pivot member) comprised of a coupling device which allows the attached arm member to swing about a linear axis; a base, wherein the base is attached to the hinge member; and attachment means for securing the device to a user, wherein the device is configured as a waist belt or configured as a detachable device for securing to a user near the hip joint, such as by attachment to user&#39;s clothing or waist belt. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, the arm member comprises a rod-like extension with a proximal end fastened to the base via the hinge member. In another embodiment, the arm comprises a distal end, the distal end configured with a rounded shape that, ideally, makes contact with a portion of the user&#39;s body upon completion of a hip rotation, which engages the arm to move from the first position (extended away from the user&#39;s body) to the second position (a positioned adjacent to the user&#39;s body). 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the arm is moveable freely along an axis in a range up to  200  degrees, wherein the arm member moves from a resting position along an axis of rotation in response to the force of movement applied to the device. In another embodiment, the distal portion of the arm is configured with a weighted portion, connected to, co-located, or within, the distal end of the arm. The weighted portion may be configured with suitable materials that impart weight to the end of the arm, thereby aiding in the feedback mechanism when the distal end makes contact with a hip portion following completion of a hip rotation movement. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the arm member is made of one or more natural or synthetic materials, including but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, recycled materials, or any suitable materials or combination thereof. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the arm is configured as a cylindrical or tubular rod-shaped extension with a head configured as a bulbous region. The arm may be hollow or solid, depending on the materials used and the weight desired for the arm or the arm end region (head). In one embodiment the rounded end region has a diameter that is commensurate with or greater than the diameter of the arm region. In one embodiment, the rounded end region of the arm comprises a diameter of up to 0.5 inches or ranging up to several inches. In one embodiment, the arm member comprises a diameter in a range of 0.25 inches or more, up to several inches in diameter. The width may be constant along the length of the extension, or variable depending on the design, materials or desired weight. The arm may be made of various materials, including plastic, lightweight metal, rubber, or other synthetic or natural materials or combinations thereof. The arm and arm head may be of different materials, for example, the arm length may be made of metal or plastic, with the arm head made of rubberized materials, plastic or other synthetic materials. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the arm is of a length in a range varying from up to 3 inches in length, to up to 12 inches in length, depending in large part on the user&#39;s height and girth. Thus, it is envisioned that the device may be configured with varying diameters and lengths, as appropriate in order to offer sizes that are compatible with a user. For example, a smaller diameter and length would be more appropriate on a device configured for use by a petite individual, whereas a larger-sized device would be more appropriate for a larger or taller individual. 
         [0021]    In another embodiment, the base of the device is configured with attachment means for securing the device to a user, such as to an article of clothing. In one embodiment, attachment means comprise a clip, a snap, a tie, a magnetic fastener, or other suitable means for (reversibly) attaching the device for use. In yet another embodiment, the base is configured as a waist belt or waist band and can be secured around a user&#39;s hip by various fastening means, including but not limited to buckles, ties, clips buttons, snaps or Velcro. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the hinge is configured for interconnecting the base and the proximal end of the arm by extending from the base for partial enclosure flanged portions/extension connecting to the distal end of the arm. The extensions are connected to the hinge by securing a snap feature found on the inner surface of the flanged ends of the arm with corresponding features on the hinge. In one embodiment, the hinge further comprises portions adapted to define a linear arc through which the arm rotates when the arm is interconnected at the hinge with the base. In one embodiment, proximal end of arm is configured with an adjustment pin for control of pressure on am. The hinge is further configured to have provide a longitudinal axis aligned generally vertically. In one embodiment, the hinge has an overall dimension that is greater than the diameter of the arm. 
         [0023]    While the base is shown in the figures as generally rectangular, it may be of varying shape, dimensions and thickness. The base and hinge may be made of various materials including but not limited to: plastic, rubber, metal, or other natural or synthetic materials, or a combination thereof. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, a portable device for detecting movement of a person&#39;s hips comprises a base adapted to be mounted on or proximate to the hips of the person; an arm having a proximal end rotatably connected to the base, and a distal end opposite the proximal end; a hinge located between and interconnecting the base and the proximal end of the arm, the hinge having portions adapted to define a linear arc through which the arm rotates; wherein the linear arc is defined by first and second halves and wherein the arm is rotatable between an initial position in the first half of the linear arc and a second position in the second half of the arc; wherein, when the base is mounted to the person, the hinge is configured to have a longitudinal axis aligned generally vertically, configured to orient the linear arc transversely to the longitudinal axis and in a horizontal plane generally in line with the person&#39;s hips, and configured to locate the first half of the linear arc toward a first one of the hips of the user and the second half of the linear arc toward a second one of the hips of the user; a first contact point for the arm defined by a first portion of the arm opposing at least one of the base and the first hip when the arm is in the first half of the linear arc; a second contact point for the arm defined by a second portion of the arm opposing at least one of the base and the second hip; whereby, when the device is mounted and the arm is located in the first half of the linear arc, forward motion of the first hip relative to the second hip applies force to the first point of contact to direct the arm along the linear arc from the first half of the arc toward the second half of the linear arc. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the arm is connected to the base and relative to the first and second points of contact to define an arc length of the linear arc of between 150° and 200°. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the arm is connected by the hinge to the base to rotate between the first and second points of contact long the linear arc in response to a predetermined therapeutic movement of the first hip relative to the second hip. In one embodiment, the arm is connected by the hinge to the base to rotate between the first and second points of contact long the linear arc in response to a predetermined sports movement, such as a golf swing, a tennis stroke, a bat swing, a karate form, and a ball toss. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the proximal end includes first and second laterally spaced, opposite arm surfaces, wherein the base includes two flange portions extending laterally from the hinge, and wherein each of the flange portions are located to contact a corresponding one of the arm surfaces to define an outer limit to the angular length of the linear arc. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, a portable training device for a proper hip alignment and rotation comprises: a base adapted to be mounted on or proximate to the hips of the user; an arm having a proximal end rotatably connected to the base, and a distal end opposite the proximal end; a hinge located between and interconnecting the base and the proximal end of the arm, the hinge having portions adapted to define a linear arc through which the arm rotates; wherein the linear arc is defined by first and second halves and wherein the arm is rotatable between an initial position in the first half of the linear arc and a second position in the second half of the arc; wherein, when the base is mounted to the user, the hinge is configured to have a longitudinal axis aligned generally vertically, configured to orient the linear arc transversely to the longitudinal axis and in a horizontal plane generally in line with the user&#39;s hips, and configured to locate the first half of the linear arc toward a first one of the hips of the user and the second half of the linear arc toward a second one of the hips of the user; a first contact point for the arm defined by a first portion of the arm opposing at least one of the base and the first hip of the user when the arm is in the first half of the linear arc; a second contact point for the arm defined by a second portion of the arm opposing at least one of the base and the second hip of the user; whereby, when the device is mounted and the arm is located in the first half of the linear arc, forward motion of the first hip relative to the second hip applies force to the first point of contact to direct the arm along the linear arc from the first half of the arc toward the second half of the linear arc. 
         [0029]    Details of the invention are further shown by the attached illustrations.  FIG. 1A /B show training device  100  comprising base  102 , arm  104  of a rod-like shape, the arm having a proximal end  106  movably connected to the base  102  and a distal end  108  opposite the proximal end  106 , and shown in the figure with a curved circular head with a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the arm, and a hinge  110  located between and interconnecting the base  102  and the proximal end  106  of arm  104 . Also shown are attachment means  112  in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of device  200  comprising base  202 , arm  204  with proximal end  206  moveably connected to base  202  by hinge  210  interconnected between flanged ends of proximal end  206 . Base  202  is outfitted with attachment means  212 , in this examples shown as a clip, for securing device  200  to the waist belt of a user. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  shows an expanded side rear view of device  300  showing the interconnection of base  302  configured with attachment means  312 , hinge  310 , flanged ends of hinge  306  interconnected with proximal end of arm  304  and adjustment pin  314  used in one embodiment to secure arm  304  to hinge  310 , although other securement mechanisms are envisioned. In another embodiment, a spring plunger  315  is inserted in the cavity created by the flanged ends  306  abutting proximal end of arm  304  and joins with plunger position  317  and joins plunger end  319  of spring plunger  315  with hinge  310 . The plunger holds adjustment pin  314  in position and the arraignment results in an adjustment piece, and will move the plunger in-and-out, resulting in tension added to arm  304 , so the user can make the arm move faster or slower, depending on the adjustment. For example, when adjustment pin  314  is inserted into a hole on  304 , spring plunger  315  is added and snapped into position onto the front (arm-facing side) of hinge  310 , which will control the amount of pressure on the arm  304  which moves against hinge  310 . 
         [0032]    Flanged ends  306  also secure around the inner hinge  310  member, surrounding a top and bottom portion of inner hinge  310 , secured by one or more fastening members (shown in the figure as a protruding snap feature  321  engages a corresponding impression feature on hinge  310  (feature not shown) that results in a “click in position” of the flanged ends around the inner hinge feature, thereby resulting in a hinge assembly that permits freedom of movement of the flanged ends around the inner hinge—along a linear arc defined by hinge arrangement, and corresponding movement of the arm along the arc. In this embodiment, rotation and movement about the hinge member will be limited by the orientation of the hinge to the base (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows an illustration of device  400  as arm  404  rotates about the hinge point  410  in a range of movement along a first linear arc  401  to a first point of contact, and in a range of movement along a second linear arc  403  to a second point of contact. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows an illustration of device  500  worn by a user engaged in athletic training for a gold swing.  FIG. 5A  shows the stationary position of device  500 , shown here attached to along a belt worn by a user. In  FIG. 5B /C, the user has torqued their body position into the start of a golf swing, and the arm  504  moves in response to the force exerted by the hip motion, and rotates about the hinge point  510  in a range of movement along a first linear arc  501  to approach a first point of along the waist of the user. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  shows a depiction of a golfer practicing a golf swing and wearing device  600  secured along a waist belt. Upon movement and rotation of the golfer&#39;s hip during the golf swing, arm  604  of device  600  moves from hinge point  610  in a direction along a linear arc to a contact position at the golfers waist belt (shown in the figure by the outline  614  presented around the contact point, thereby indicating sound of the distal end  608  of arm  604  hitting the golfer&#39;s waist belt. 
         [0036]    It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention, and they are not exhaustive or exclusive. 
         [0037]    Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other additives, components, materials or steps. Throughout, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. 
         [0038]    Features, materials, characteristics, described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the elements so disclosed.