Abstract:
The present invention relates to a portable strength training device which can be adapted to various sports and can be utilized in almost any location. More, specifically present invention is a weighted elongated tubular member which includes connectors for attachment of various balls and/or sporting equipment. The training device is adjustable through the use of various sized hollow tubes of different lengths and/or diameters which allow for the addition of one or more types of weight material within the hollow lumen. Various different sports objects, such as balls, golf club handles, tennis racket handles, baseball bats and the like can be secured to one of the distal ends of the hollow tubes. Clips hooks or the like may be secured to the opposite distal end of the tube for anchoring the device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a national stage filing in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT/US2012/036115, filed May 2, 2012, which claims the benefit of the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/481,537, filed May 2, 2011, entitled, “Strength Training Aid”, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of strength training devices, and in particular to a device that develops strength in the forearms, upper arms and shoulders. The present invention enables an individual to increase his/her strength and ability to participate in various sports. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are various devices for strengthening the hands, wrists, forearms, upper arms, back and shoulders. These devices operate on the principles of variable threading, tension, torque, and compression mechanisms. These devices range from simple spring like devices which are operated in one hand such as free weights to complicated machines which can develop multiple muscles and muscle groups simultaneously. Strength training devices are currently available for everyone from the casual athlete to the professional athlete. The strength training devices which the professional athletes use are usually complex, relatively expensive, and generally not available for the average person/athlete. Another problem with the strength training equipment that professional athletes use is that it is designed for a specific sport. An individual who wants to play multiple sports would need to purchase many different pieces of strength training equipment. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,637 discloses a portable exercise device for specific strength training of the rotator cuff. The device includes a cylindrical spool which has a handle across its diameter. A length of elastic tubing is secured tangentially to one point of the spool. The opposite end of the elastic tubing is securable to a fixed point or object. This permits an individual to grip the handle and rotate or move the spool against a continuous resistance for muscle development. 
     U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2002/013599 discloses a strength training device for developing the forearms, upper arms, and shoulder muscle groups. The device includes two cylindrical handles with fixed concave surface end caps that are connected by a cylindrical center joint piece. The center piece has a concave surface on top and an under body cavity on the bottom. One end of an exercise cord is secured to the center joint piece. The opposite end of the exercise cord is secured to free weights. The free weights are raised and lowered by an individual rotating the cylindrical handles toward their body and away from their body. Weight machine cables can also be secured to the center joint piece. This enables an individual to perform bicep curls and triceps extension exercises. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the strength training art to provide a device which is portable, adjustable, and easy to use. The training device should be relatively simple in construction and portable for easy transport and use at remote locations. The device should also be capable of adjustment for athletes having a range of strength ranging from beginning amateurs to professional athletes. The device should also be adaptable for use by athletes training for various sports without the need for complex tools or scores of auxiliary parts. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a portable strength training device which can be adapted to various sports and can be utilized in almost any location. More, specifically present invention is a weighted elongated tubular member which includes connectors for attachment of various balls and/or sporting equipment. The training device is adjustable through the use of various sized hollow tubes of different lengths and/or diameters which allow for the addition of one or more types of weight material within the hollow lumen. Materials such as sand, lead shot, steel shot or the like can be utilized within the hollow tubes to increase or decrease the weight of the tubes. While materials such as rubber chunks, springs or the like that affect the action of the tube may be mixed with the weight material to vary the training provided by the device. Various different sports objects, such as balls, golf club handles, tennis racket handles, baseball bats and the like can be secured to one of the distal ends of the hollow tubes. Clips hooks or the like may be secured to the opposite distal end of the tube for anchoring the device. Handles or the like may be utilized in place of the clips or hooks to allow a second person to provide anchoring or action to the tube and thus the person training. In addition, the tube may be provided in a resilient elastic or non-elastic construction to add additional training options to the user. These various features enable the device to be tailored by an individual for various types of training and for different sports. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a training device which can be utilized for training athletes involved in various sports. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a portable training device for various sports which can be readily used in many different locations. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a portable training device for various sports which can be readily adjusted. 
     It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a portable training device which can readily be adapted to different sports. 
     It is still a further objective of the present invention to provide a portable training device which can be readily adjusted to provide different resistance and/or weights. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the hollow tubular member of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross sectional view taken along lines  3 B- 3 B of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the quick release connection between a ball and the hollow tubular member; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
       FIGS. 1-4 , which are now referenced, illustrate one embodiment of the present invention and the manner in which it is assembled. In general, the strength training device  10  comprises a hollow tubular member  12 , a training object  14  removably secured to one end of the hollow tubular member  12 , and a fastening device  16  secured to an opposite end of the hollow tubular member. More specifically, the hollow tubular member  12  is preferably made from a flexible, non-elastic material such as a reinforced rubber and may include various filler materials  13  which vary the weight and action provided by the tubular member. For example, sand alone may be added to give one weight and a relatively dead action to the tubular member. Alternatively, a filler such as steel shot may be combined with rubber particles or beads to result in a different weight and substantially more action provided by the tubular member. Various other combinations of materials may be added singularly or combination to allow the athlete to tailor his training to his particular needs. In this manner, the athlete may train for strength, speed agility, dexterity and the like with a single training tool by altering its properties. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  the training object  14  is illustrated as a baseball  30  is secured to one end of the hollow tubular member. The ball may be directly adhered to the tubular member as illustrated in  FIG. 2  or alternatively and preferably, a swiveling quick release coupling  20  may be provided to allow the user to change training objects  14 . The quick release coupling  20  preferably includes a ring  22 , button or the like which may be slid or moved to release the training object from the distal end of the tubular member  14 . The training object  14  preferably includes a stem  24  secured to the training object via threaded stud  26 , adhesive  28  or the like. The stem  24  is generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with the quick release coupling  20  to create an operator securable connection and release. A filler cap  28  may be secured to or formed as portion of the quick release to facilitate access to the lumen  18 . In a preferred embodiment, the filler cap cooperates with a threaded terminal  32 . The threaded terminal includes a sleeve  34  which cooperates with the outer or inner surface of the tubular member for attachment thereof. A fastening device  16 , such as a carabiner  17 , hook or the like is secured to an opposite end or second end  38  of the tubular member  14  to allow the person training to secure the second end of the tubular member to a fixed object. In operation, an individual would secure the carabiner  17  to a fixed object. Afterwards the trainee can simulate throwing, pitching or catching the ball. The additional weight of the hollow tubular member helps to strengthen the muscles associated with throwing, pitching or catching the ball. The carabiner secures the hollow tubular member to a stationary object so that it will not fly around when in use. Also, securing the training device to a stationary object prevents the training object from being thrown away or hitting another individual. The trainee can alter the properties of the tubular member by adding or deleting fillers within the tube. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , a cross sectional view illustrating the hollow tubular member  12  partially filled with a filler material  13  for modifying the properties of the tubular member. The preferred substance is a granular material characterized by a loss of energy whenever the particles collide such as sand. However, other substances can be employed, such as lead shot, BB&#39;s, crushed shells, crushed gravel and the like. Other suitable materials include materials suitable for absorbing energy, some of which may be released by causing a secondary motion in the tubular member, examples include, but should not be limited to, rubber chunks, springs, water, and other fluids. The only criteria for the filler materials  13  are that they can generally flex and/or conform to the shape of the lumen within the hollow tubular member  12 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the hollow tubular member  12  being filled with sand  40  and rubber  42 . The amount of the substance utilized in the present invention depends on the additional weight and type of action resulting from movement an individual wants to add to the training object. The hollow tubular member  12  can be completely empty, partially full, or completely full of filler  13 . While the preferred embodiment of the hollow tubular member is flexible and non-elastic, it can also be made from an elastic material whereby all or portions of the tubular member are allowed to elastically expand or stretch. 
     While subject to the trainee&#39;s preferences, when the training object is relatively small, such as a baseball or a softball, the amount of filler  13  added to the hollow tubular member is relatively small. When the training object is relatively large, such as a basketball or soccer ball, the amount of filler  13  added is relatively large. For example, when a basketball is utilized the individual will simulate shooting the basketball or passing the basketball. The repetitive throwing or handling motion of the training object results in an increase in the strength of an individual performing these motions. Additionally, the amount of filler  13  in the hollow tubular member  12  can be increased as the individual progresses in their training. This will present additional resistance during the training sessions and lead to an increase in strength. This is similar to adding weights to certain exercises in weight training. 
     While the preferred embodiment illustrates a baseball as the training object  14  utilized with the training device  10 , other objects can also be employed. For example, a softball, a basketball, a soccer ball, or a football. Additionally, objects such as a straight bar, a curved bar, or a handle can also be secured to the hollow tubular member. These additional training objects can be utilized to develop specific muscle or muscle groups related to tennis, golf, racquetball, baseball or any other sport which requires the player to swing an elongated instrument. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present device is illustrated. In this embodiment, the first end  36  of the tubular member  12  is secured directly to the training object  14 , illustrated herein as a football  44 . Attached to the second end  38  of the tubular member is a hand grip  46  and swivel  48 . Also in this embodiment, the swivel is removably secured to the second end of the tubular member to allow the lumen of the tubular member to be filled to alter its workout properties as described above. The hand grip  46  provides the ability for a second person to provide motion or tension to the tubular member for additional training. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present device is illustrated. In this embodiment, the first end  36  of the tubular member  12  is secured directly to the training object  14 , illustrated herein as a golf club shaft  50 . Attached between the first end  36  of the tubular member and the golf club shaft  50  is a universal swivel  52 . The universal swivel is constructed and arranged to flex in a polyaxial manner as well as swivel in a planer manner. The universal swivel is removably secured to the filler cap  28  of the tubular member to allow the lumen of the tubular member to be filled to alter its workout properties as described above. A carabiner  17  is secured to the second end  38  of the tubular member for securing the tubular member to a fixed object. It should be noted that while a golf club shaft is illustrated, a baseball/softball bat, tennis racket handle, racquet ball racket or the like having a substantially rigid elongated shaft with a hand grip  56  mounted at a distal end thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.