Abstract:
A sport-specific training and conditioning device for a sport using a hand-held implement having a grip portion, includes a handle shaped like the grip portion of the implement, the handle having first and second ends, and a weight on the second end of the handle, the center of mass of the weight being less than about 13 inches from the first end of the handle. The device is made from a polymeric material with a weight enclosed therein.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/598,110, filed Jun. 21, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a sports training and conditioning device, and in particular to a device for training and conditioning in sports which use an implement, such as a bat, a club, a racket, or stick.  
           [0003]    There are a wide variety of sports training and conditioning devices for sports that employ some sort of implement. A common example is the batting doughnut, which is slipped over the narrow end of the bat and slid down the shaft of the bat to add extra weight to the end of the bat while taking practice swings. Similar devices are available for golf clubs and for other sports implements. One drawback with these devices is that the extra weight is usually concentrated at the remote or distal end of the sports implement. This unnecessarily strains the user, and particularly the user&#39;s shoulders, and does not concentrate the training and conditioning on the user&#39;s forearms which, in most sports, are critical to the proper use of the implement  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The sports training and conditioning device of the present invention is adaptable to virtually any sport that uses a hand-held implement, including baseball, golf, tennis, squash, badminton, hockey, lacrosse, et cetera. Generally, the sports training and conditioning device of the present invention comprises a handle shaped like the grip portion of the implement for the particular sport, for example a baseball bat, having a first and second ends. A weight is mounted on the second end between about six inches and about eighteen inches from the first end of the handle, and more preferably between about eight inches and about thirteen inches from the first end of the grip. The inventor has found that for most sports, this focuses the effect of the device on the user&#39;s forearms, and reduces the stress and strain on other parts of the body. The user simply grasps the device as the user would normally grasp the sports implement, and swings the device in a controlled manner just as the user would swing the implement.  
           [0005]    In the preferred embodiment, the circumference of the handle is between about ten percent and about thirty percent larger than the user would normally use on the corresponding sports implement, and more preferably about 20 percent larger. The inventor has found that this increased circumference of the handle further focuses the effect of the device on the forearms.  
           [0006]    The sports training and conditioning devices of the present invention are of simple and inexpensive construction. They are compact and easy to store and transport. The devices provide sports-specific strengthening and conditioning, focusing on the user&#39;s forearms while minimizing stress and strain on other parts of the user&#39;s body, such as the shoulder and wrists. Using the device during practice helps program a proper motion through “muscle memory”. These and other features and advantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sports training device constructed according to the principles of this invention;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of the first embodiment, disassembled to show the details of construction;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of the first embodiment, showing details of construction;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first alternate construction of the device of the first embodiment;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a second alternate construction of the device of the first embodiment;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sports training device constructed according to the principles of this invention, with a portion broken away to reveal details of construction;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sports training device constructed according to the principles of this invention, with a portion broken away to reveal details of construction;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a sports training device constructed according to the principles of this invention, with a portion broken away to reveal details of construction;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of the devices of the several embodiments of this invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first version of the alternate construction of FIG. 9 taken along the plane of line  10 - 10  in FIG. 9;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a second version of the alternate construction of the devices of the several embodiments of this invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third version of the alternate construction taken along the same plane is FIG. 10; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a fourth version of the alternate construction of the devices of the several embodiments of this invention.  
         [0020]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]    A first embodiment of a sports training and conditioning device constructed according to the principles of this invention is indicated generally as  20  in FIGS. 1 through 3. The device  20  is particular adapted for training and conditioning for sports which involve the use of an implement having a grip, e.g., a bat, a club, a racket, or a stick, and in particular device  20  is adapted for training and conditioning for baseball, softball, and other sports which employ a bat. The device comprises a handle configured like the grip portion of the sports implement, thus device  20  has a grip configured like the handle portion of a bat, having a first end  24  and a second end  26 . The first end  24  corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the user) of the sports implement, the second end  26  corresponds to normal distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the user). The handle  22  is preferably made of wood, like a conventional bat, but it could also be made of some other material.  
         [0022]    In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle is preferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferably about twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus the effect of the device on the user&#39;s forearms, yet still permits the user to securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device  20 , where a conventional bat would have a grip diameter of between about ⅞ inches and about I and ⅛ inches, the handle  22  preferably has a diameter of between about 1¼ inches and about 1½ inches, and most preferably about I and {fraction (11/32)} inches. The larger grip both isolates the forearms and safely strengthens the hands and wrists. However, the handle could have the circumference of a conventional bat.  
         [0023]    A weight  28  is mounted on the second end  26  of the handle. The weight  28  is preferably made of steel, but could, of course be made of some other dense material. The length of the handle  22  and the size and shape of the weight  28  are such that the center of mass of the device is positioned distally of the graspable portion of the handle, between about 8½ inches and about 15 inches from the first end  24  of the handle, and more preferably between about 10 and 13 inches from the first end of the handle. The weight of the weight  28  depends upon the needs and preferences of the user, the weight  28  may have a weight so that the device  20  weighs 3½, 5, 7½, 10, or 12½, or preferably a set of devices  20  of different weights are provided.  
         [0024]    As shown in the Figures, the weight  28  preferably has a generally cylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder are preferably rounded. Of course the weight  28  could have some other shape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight could be a rectangular prism. However, the inventor believes that the compact, cylindrical shape improves the swing dynamics of the device. In the preferred embodiment, the weight  28  for the 3½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight for the 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, and is about 2¾ inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has a diameter of about 3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight for the 10 pound device has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾ inches high; and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter of about 4 inches, and is about 4 inches high.  
         [0025]    In the preferred construction of the first embodiment, the distal end  26  has external threaded projection  30  that is adapted to fit into an internally threaded socket  32  in the weight  28 . The threaded projection  30  may be further secured in the socket  32  with an adhesive, such as an epoxy or other suitable adhesive. However, it may be desirable to have the weight  28  removably mounted on the handle  22 , so that the user can have just one handle, and change the weight of the device  20  by changing the weight  28 .  
         [0026]    A first alternate construction of the first embodiment of a sports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as  20 ′ in FIG. 4. The device  20 ′ is similar in construction to device  20 , comprising a handle  22  and a weight  28 . However, in device  20 ′ the attachment of the weight  28  to the handle  22  is different from the attachment in device  20 . As shown in FIG. 4, there is a collar  34  with an internally threaded socket mounted on the second end  24  of the handle  22 . The collar  34  is preferably made of metal and is secured on the handle by any conventional means. There is an externally threaded stud  38  on the weight  28  that threads into the internally threaded socket in the collar  34 .  
         [0027]    A second alternate construction of the first embodiment of a sports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as  20 ″ in FIG. 5. The device  20 ″ is similar in construction to device  20 , comprising a handle  22  and a weight  28 . However, in device  20 ″ the attachment of the weight  28  to the handle  22  is different from the attachment in device  20 . As shown in FIG. 5, a threaded bolt  40  extends through an axial bore  42  in the handle  22 , projecting out the second end  26  of the handle. The bolt  40  is preferably made of metal. The weight  28  preferably has an internally threaded socket  44  to receive the bolt  40 . A nut  46  is threaded on the end of the bolt  40  and is concealed in a recess  48  in the first end of the handle.  
         [0028]    A second embodiment of a sports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as  100  in FIG. 6. The device  100  is particularly adapted for training and conditioning for the sport of golf, and comprises a handle  102  configured like the grip portion of a golf club, having a first end  104  and a second end  106 . The first end  104  corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the user) of the sports implement, the second end corresponds to normal distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the user).  
         [0029]    In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle is preferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferably about twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus the effect of the device on the user&#39;s forearms, yet still permits the user to securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device  100 , where a conventional golf club would have a grip circumference of between about 2¾ inches and about 3 inches, the handle  102  preferably has a circumference of between about 3 inches and about 3½ inches. However, the handle could have the circumference of a conventional golf club.  
         [0030]    A weight  108  is mounted on the second end  106  of the handle. The weight  108  is preferably made of steel, but could, of course, be made of some other dense material. The length of the handle  102  and the size and shape of the weight  108  are such that the center of mass of the device is positioned distally of the between about 8 inches and about 15 inches from the first end  104  of the device  100 , and more preferably between about 10 and 13. The weight of the weight  108  depends upon the needs and preferences of the user, the weight  108  may have a weight so that the device  100  weighs 3½, 5, 7½, 10, or 12½, or preferably a set of devices  100  of different weights are provided.  
         [0031]    As shown in FIG. 6, the weight  108  preferably has a generally cylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder are preferably rounded. Of course the weight  108  could have some other shape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight could be a rectangular prism. In the preferred embodiment, the weight  108  for the 3½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight for the 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, and is about 2¾ inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has a diameter of about 3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight for the 10 pound device has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾ inches high; and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter of about 4 inches, and is about 4 inches high for the 3½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight for the 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, and is about 2¾ inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has a diameter of about 3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight for the 10 pound device has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾ inches high; and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter of about 4 inches, and is about 4 inches high.  
         [0032]    In the preferred construction of the device  100 , the grip  102  comprises a rod  110  with an externally threaded stud  112  on its distal end. The rod  110  is covered with a conventional golf club grip  114 . The threaded stud  112  is adapted to fit in an internally threaded socket  116  in the weight  108 . The threaded stud  112  may be further secured in the socket  116  with an adhesive, such as an epoxy or other suitable adhesive. However, it may be desirable to have the weight  108  removably mounted on the handle  102 , so that the user can have just one handle, and change the weight of the device  100  by changing the weight  108 . Of course one of the other attachments for the weight and handle discussed above with respect to device  20 , or any other method for securely connecting the weight and the handle can be used.  
         [0033]    A third embodiment of a sports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as  150  in FIG. 7. The device  150  is particularly adapted for training and conditioning for the sport of tennis, and comprises a grip  152  configured like the handle portion of a tennis racket, having a first end  154  and a second end  156 . The first end  154  corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the user) of the sports implement, the second end corresponds to non-nal distal end (i.e. the end furthest from the user).). The handle  152  is preferably made of wood, metal, or a composite material, like a conventional racket, but it could also be made of some other material.  
         [0034]    In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle is preferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferably about twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus the effect of the device on the user&#39;s forearms, yet still permits the user to securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device  150 , where a conventional racket would have a grip circumference of between about 4¼ inches and about 4⅝ inches, the handle  152  preferably has a circumference of between about 4⅜ inches and about 4¾ inches. However, the handle could have the circumference of a conventional racket. The handle  152  may include a conventional spiral wrap of leather or leather-like material, so that the handle  152  device  150  has the appearance and feel of the grip portion of a conventional racket.  
         [0035]    A weight  158  is mounted on the second end  156  of the handle. The weight  158  is preferably made of steel, but could, of course be made of some other dense material. The length of the handle  152  and the size and shape of the weight  158  are such that the center of mass of the device  150  is positioned between about 8 inches and about 15 inches from the first end  154  of the handle, and more preferably between about 10 and 13 from the first end of the handle. The center of mass is preferably distal to the graspable portion of the handle. The weight of the weight  158  depends upon the needs and preferences of the user, the weight  158  may have a weight so that the device  150  weighs 1½, 2½, 3½, 4½, or 5½, or preferably a set of devices  150  of different weights are provided.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 7, the weight  158  preferably has a generally cylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder are preferably rounded. Of course the weight  158  could have some other shape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight could be a rectangular prism. In the preferred embodiment, the weight  158  for the 1½ pound device has a diameter of about 1⅞ inches, and is about 2 inches high; the weight for the 2½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅛ inches, and is about 2¼ inches high; the weight for the 3½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight for the 4½ pound device has a diameter of about 2½ inches, and is about 2⅝ inches high; and the weight for the 5½ device has a diameter of about 2⅝ inches, and is about 2⅞ inches high.  
         [0037]    In the preferred construction of the third embodiment, there is a collar  160  with an internally threaded socket  162  mounted on the second end  154  of the handle  152 . The collar  160  is preferably made of metal and is secured on the handle by any conventional means. There is an externally threaded stud  164  on the weight  158  that threads into the internally threaded socket in the collar  160 . The threaded stud  164  may be further secured in the socket  160  with an adhesive, such as an epoxy or other suitable adhesive. However, it may be desirable to have the weight  158  removably mounted on the handle  152 , so that the user can have just one handle, and change the weight of the device  150  by changing the weight  158 . Of course one of the other attachments for the weight and handle discussed above with respect to device  20 , or any other method for securely connecting the weight and the handle can be used.  
         [0038]    A fourth embodiment of a sports training and conditioning device is indicated generally as  200  in FIG. 8. The device  200  is particularly adapted for training and conditioning for the sport of hockey, and comprises a grip  202  configured like the handle portion of a hockey stock, having a first end  204  and a second end  206 . The first end  204  corresponds to the normal proximal end (i.e., the end closest to the user) of the sports implement, the second end corresponds to normal distal end (i.e., the end furthest from the user). ). The handle  202  is preferably made of wood, like a conventional hockey stick, but it could also be made of some other material.  
         [0039]    In the preferred embodiment the circumference of the handle is preferably between about ten and about thirty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement, and most preferably about twenty percent larger than the grip portion of a conventional sports implement. The inventor has discovered that this helps focus the effect of the device on the user&#39;s forearms, yet still permits the user to securely grasp the device. Thus, in the case of device  200 , where a conventional stick would have a grip circumference of between about 3¾ inches and about 4¼ inches, the handle  202  preferably has a circumference of between about 4 inches and about 4½ inches. However, the handle could have the circumference of a conventional racket.  
         [0040]    A weight  208  is mounted on the second end  206  of the handle. The weight  208  is preferably made of steel, but could, of course be made of some other dense material. The length of the handle  202  and the size and shape of the weight  208  are such that the center of mass of the device  200  is positioned between about 8½ inches and about 15 inches from the first end  204  of the handle, and more preferably between about 10 and 13 inches from the first end of the handle. The center of the mass of the device is preferably distal to the end of the graspable portion of the handle. The weight of the weight  208  depends upon the needs and preferences of the user, the weight  208  may have a weight so that the device  200  weighs 3˜½, 5, 7½, 10, or 12½, or preferably a set of devices  200  of different weights are provided.  
         [0041]    As shown in FIG. 8, the weight  208  preferably has a generally cylindrical shape, and the top and bottom edges of the cylinder are preferably rounded. Of course the weight  208  could have some other shape, for example with a polygonal cross section, or the weight could be a rectangular prism. However, the inventor believes that the compact, cylindrical shape improves the swing dynamics of the device. In the preferred embodiment, the weight  208  for the 3½ pound device has a diameter of about 2⅜ inches, and is about 2½ inches high; the weight for the 5 pound device has a diameter of about 3 inches, and is about 2¾ inches high; the weight for the 7½ pound device has a diameter of about 3½ inches, and is about 3 inches high; the weight for the 10 pound device has a diameter of about 3¾ inches, and is about 3¾ inches high; and the weight for the 12½ pound device has a diameter of about 4 inches, and is about 4 inches high.  
         [0042]    In the preferred construction of the third embodiment, there is a collar  210  with an internally threaded socket  212  mounted on the second end  204  of the handle  202 . The collar  210  is preferably made of metal and is secured on the handle by any conventional means. There is an externally threaded stud  214  on the weight  208  that threads into the internally threaded socket in the collar  210 . The threaded stud  214  may be further secured in the socket  210  with an adhesive, such as an epoxy or other suitable adhesive. However, it may be desirable to have the weight  208  removably mounted on the handle  202 , so that the user can have just one handle, and change the weight of the device  200  by changing the weight  208 . Of course one of the other attachments for the weight and handle discussed above with respect to device  20 , or any other method for securely connecting the weight and the handle can be used.  
         [0043]    An alternative construction of the devices of the several embodiments of this invention is indicated generally as  300  in FIGS.  9 - 13 . While illustrated as a device for a batting sport such as baseball or softball, such as devices the  20 ,  20 ′ and  20 ″ invention is not so limited and the principles of this alternate construction apply to any sport employing hand held implements including baseball, golf, tennis, squash, badminton, hockey, La Crosse, etc.  
         [0044]    According to the alternate construction the device  300  is made from a polymeric material that is preferably molded or cast in the desired shape. The weight  302 , which can be molded, cast or machined to the desired shape, is embedded in the device. According to a first version of this alternate construction, shown in FIG. 10, the weight  302  can be embedded in the device  300  as it is molded or cast. According to a second version of this alternate construction, shown in FIG. 11, the device can be molded in two halves  304  and  306  which interfit to form a hollow chamber into which the weight  302  can be disposed. The two halves can be secured together by any suitable means including by adhesive, rf welding, or otherwise. According to a third version of this alternate construction, shown in FIG. 12, the device can be made in two pieces, the first piece  308  comprising the handle  310  and a generally cup-shaped portion  312  for receiving the weight  302 , and a lid  314 , which can be secured on the cup-shaped portion  312  to secure the weight. The lid  314  can be secured by any suitable means including by adhesive, rf welding, or otherwise. According to a fourth version of this alternative construction, shown in FIG. 13, the device can be made in two pieces, the first piece  316  comprising the handle  318  and a portion  320  of the section for holding the weight, and a second piece  322 , that interfits with the portion  320  to form a chamber for holding the weight  302 . The pieces  316  and  322  can be secured by any suitable means including by adhesive, rf welding, or otherwise.  
         [0045]    The device of this alternate embodiment provides a smooth continuous polymeric exterior which is resistant to impact and other abuse, in which the weight is enclosed so that it is unlikely to separate from the device.  
         [0046]    The surface texture and color of the device can be more easily controlled and changed.  
         [0047]    Operation  
         [0048]    In operation, any of the devices  20 ,  20 ′,  20 ″,  100 ,  150 , or  200  of this invention, is grasped by the user. (Of course a device can be constructed according to the principles of this invention for any sport in which the participant grasps and swings a sports implement.) The user then swings the device, much as the user would swing the implement which the device emulates. By controlling the size and shape and placement of the weight on the end of the handle, the training and conditioning effects are focused on the user&#39;s forearms. In particular, it is believe that by positioning the center of mass of the weight within 13 inches of the first end of the handle, the effect of the device is focused on the user&#39;s forearms. More specifically it is important that the center of mass of the device is past the graspable portion of the handle, yet within 13 inches of the first end of the handle.