Patent Publication Number: US-2022233940-A1

Title: Sport swing trainer with strap and elastic band

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure is directed to athletic equipment and, more particularly, to trainers used to improve an athletic swing. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Athletes at all skill levels train formally and informally to improve their endurance and abilities. This training can range from hiring a coach or personal trainer to performing certain exercises in their residence. Many athletes prefer the latter because it is less expensive and easier to train at their residence, and athletes that hire personal trainers also train on their own from time to time to supplement the coached training. Some exercises can be performed in one&#39;s residence without equipment, but specialized equipment may be necessary for certain training exercises. Some sports require swinging of an object (e.g., a tennis racket, a golf club, etc.). As with other sports, athletes may train sport-specific motions (e.g., swinging an object) in order to increase strength and speed of that sport-specific motion. Presently, no equipment for practicing a swinging motion exists in the market. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for a sport swing trainer. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein is a trainer for improving an athletic swing. The trainer includes an elastic band having an anchor end and a handle end, and configured to expand and contract. The trainer further includes a handle coupled to the handle end of the elastic band and configured to be gripped by a user. The trainer further includes a strap coupled to the anchor end of the elastic band and configured to be sandwiched between two objects to anchor the anchor end of the elastic band to at least one of the two objects. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the handle has 8 sides and resembles a tennis racket handle. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a strap stopper configured to be located within the elastic band towards the anchor end, wherein the strap is coupled to the elastic band by coupling a first end of the strap to another portion of the strap with the strap stopper and a portion of the elastic band enclosed within the strap to resist separation of the strap from the anchor end of the elastic band. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a clip coupled to the strap and configured to clip to an anchor point to removably couple the anchor end to the anchor point. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the clip includes a slot configured to receive the strap such that the strap is coupled to the clip by extending a second end of the strap through the slot and coupling the second end of the strap to another location on the strap. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a handle stopper configured to be located within the elastic band towards the handle end, wherein: the handle includes a first portion and a second portion configured to be coupled to the first portion; the first portion and the second portion each define an internal wall extending towards a center of the handle; and the handle is coupled to the elastic band by placing the handle stopper and the handle end of the elastic band between the internal wall of the first portion and the second portion and coupling the first portion to the second portion. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a first weight, wherein at least one of the first portion or the second portion includes internal bridges such that the first weight is enclosed within the handle and retained in place relative to the handle by at least two of the internal bridges when the first portion is coupled to the second portion. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, a total weight of the handle can be adjusted by replacing the first weight with a second weight having a different mass than the first weight. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include: a sensor located in the handle and configured to detect data corresponding to use of the trainer; an output device located in or on the handle and configured to output data; and a controller coupled to the sensor, located in the handle, and configured to determine information corresponding to the use of the trainer based on the data detected by the sensor and to control the output device to output the information. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the information determined by the controller includes at least one of: a duration of use of the trainer; a speed of a swing of the handle by the user; a type of swing of the handle by the user; an angle of contact between an imaginary head coupled to the handle and an imaginary ball; an amount of calories burned during a training session with the trainer; or a remaining life of the elastic band. 
     Also disclosed is a trainer for improving an athletic swing. The trainer includes an elastic band having an anchor end and a handle end, and configured to expand and contract. The trainer further includes a handle coupled to the handle end of the elastic band and configured to be gripped by a user, the handle having 8 sides and resembling a tennis racket handle. The trainer further includes a strap coupled to the anchor end of the elastic band and configured to be sandwiched between two objects to anchor the anchor end of the elastic band to at least one of the two objects. The trainer further includes a strap stopper configured to be located within the elastic band towards the anchor end, wherein the strap is coupled to the elastic band by coupling a first end of the strap to another portion of the strap with the strap stopper and a portion of the elastic band enclosed within the strap to resist separation of the strap from the anchor end of the elastic band. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a clip coupled to the strap and configured to clip to an anchor point to removably couple the anchor end to the anchor point. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the clip includes a slot configured to receive the strap such that the strap is coupled to the clip by extending a second end of the strap through the slot and coupling the second end of the strap to another location on the strap. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a handle stopper configured to be located within the elastic band towards the handle end, wherein: the handle includes a first portion and a second portion configured to be coupled to the first portion; the first portion and the second portion each define an internal wall extending towards a center of the handle; and the handle is coupled to the elastic band by placing the handle stopper and the handle end of the elastic band between the internal wall of the first portion and the second portion and coupling the first portion to the second portion. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include a first weight, wherein at least one of the first portion or the second portion includes internal bridges such that the first weight is enclosed within the handle and retained in place relative to the handle by at least two of the internal bridges when the first portion is coupled to the second portion. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, a total weight of the handle can be adjusted by replacing the first weight with a second weight having a different mass than the first weight. 
     Any of the foregoing embodiments may further include: a sensor located in the handle and configured to detect data corresponding to use of the trainer; an output device located in or on the handle and configured to output data; and a controller coupled to the sensor, located in the handle, and configured to determine information corresponding to the use of the trainer based on the data detected by the sensor and to control the output device to output the information. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the information determined by the controller includes at least one of: a duration of use of the trainer; a speed of a swing of the handle by the user; a type of swing of the handle by the user; an angle of contact between an imaginary head coupled to the handle and an imaginary ball; an amount of calories burned during a training session with the trainer; or a remaining life of the elastic band. 
     Also disclosed is a trainer for improving an athletic swing. The trainer includes an elastic band having an anchor end and a handle end, and configured to expand and contract; a handle coupled to the handle end of the elastic band and configured to be gripped by a user; a strap coupled to the anchor end of the elastic band and configured to be sandwiched between two objects to anchor the anchor end of the elastic band to at least one of the two objects; and a clip coupled to the strap and configured to clip to an anchor point to removably couple the anchor end to the anchor point. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, the handle has 8 sides and resembles a tennis racket handle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an assembled trainer in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates separate components of the trainer of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates additional features of the trainer of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1D  is an enlarged view of a portion of a handle end of the trainer of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1E  is an enlarged view of a portion of a strap side of the trainer of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1F  is an enlarged view of a portion of a strap side of the trainer of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a disassembled handle of the trainer of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the disassembled handle of  FIG. 2  with added weights in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the handle of  FIG. 2  in an assembled state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an overmold material applied to the handle of  FIG. 2  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes a sport swing trainer. The trainer is used as a training tool for strengthening muscles and endurance and improving speed and muscle memory related to a sport-related swing (e.g., a tennis swing, a golf swing, or the like) and improving the quality of the swing. The trainer provides benefits and advantages such as including a handle that is designed to replicate a handle of sporting goods (e.g., it may have 8 sides and be sized to replicate a handle of a tennis racket). The trainer is designed for use anywhere with an anchor point or a door, which advantageously allows users to train and improve their swing from any location, even while traveling. 
     The trainer includes both a clip (e.g., a carabiner) usable to anchor the trainer to an anchor point as well as a strap that can be sandwiched between a door and a door jamb to anchor the trainer to the door/door jamb. The handle of the trainer may include two portions that are removably coupled together, and the trainer may come with multiple weights that can each be coupled or installed inside of the handle to adjust a total weight of the handle. The trainer includes an elastic band that extends from the handle to the clip/strap and is removably coupled to the handle and the clip/strap to facilitate replacement of the elastic band when it becomes worn out. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1A-5 , an exemplary sport trainer  100  is shown. The trainer  100  includes a handle  102 , a strap  104 , an elastic band  106 , and a clip  108 . The handle  102  may resemble a handle of a piece of sporting equipment. For example, the handle  102  may have eight sides and be formed to have a similar shape as a handle of a tennis racket. As another example, the handle  102  may be formed to resemble a handle of a golf club. The handle  102  may be formed by first forming a plastic undermold and adding a softer overmold to the plastic undermold to improve the ability to grip the handle  102 . 
     The strap  104  may be formed from a fabric material such as a nylon webbing. In some embodiments, the strap  104  may include any other fabric or material (e.g., polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)), however, it is desirable for the strap  104  to be formed from a relatively strong material to increase durability of the trainer  100  as pressure will be applied to the strap  104  during use. The strap  104  may be designed to be placed between a door and a door jamb to anchor the trainer  100  to the door/door jamb. 
     The elastic band  106  may be formed from any elastic material (e.g., any elastomer such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene block copolymers, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, silicone elastomers, fluoroelastomers, polyurethane elastomers, nitrile rubbers, or the like) and may have a handle end coupled to the handle  102  and an anchor end coupled to the strap  104 . In some embodiments, the elastic band  106  may have a tubular shape which, as discussed below, facilitates coupling of the elastic band  106  to the handle  102  and the strap  104 . However, the elastic band may have any shape or cross section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The clip  108  may be coupled to the strap  104  and may include any clip usable to anchor the clip  108  to an object. In that regard, the trainer  100  may be anchored in place either via the clip  108  or via the strap  104 . In some embodiments, the clip  108  may include a carabiner or a carabiner-like clip. In some embodiments, the clip  108  may include any other type of clip. In some embodiments, the clip  108  may include a locking mechanism to lock the clip  108  to whatever anchor point it is coupled to in order to reduce the likelihood of the clip  108  becoming uncoupled from the anchor point. The clip  108  may be formed from a relatively hard material or relatively high-strength material (e.g., relatively high compressive strength or relatively high yield strength) such as anodized steel, carbon steel, or any metal or metal alloys. 
     The handle  102  may be formed from any material, and may be designed to resemble a handle of sporting equipment (e.g., a handle of a tennis racket or golf club). For example, the handle  102  may be formed from a plastic or other polymer, a metal, or the like. As described below, the handle  102  may include an overmolding to provide a better grip. 
     In use, the trainer  100  may be anchored in place by either the clip  108  or the strap  104 . For example, the clip  108  may be attached to an object (such as a weighted bench, an anchor installed on a floor or wall of a building, or the like. As another example, the strap  104  may be positioned between a door and a door jamb, and the door may be closed such that the strap  104  is anchored between the door and the door jamb. A user may then grip the handle  102  and practice a sport swing (e.g., a swing of a tennis racket). The elastic band  106  may expand as the user moves through the swinging motion, providing resistance against the swing. This resistance applied by the elastic band  106  helps strengthen muscles associated with the swing and improves endurance of the user. After the user has completed the swing, the elastic band  106  contracts to its original shape so the user can continue to practice the swing while strengthening her muscles and building her endurance. 
     As discussed above, the elastic band  106  may include a tube shape to facilitate coupling the elastic band  106  to the handle  102  and the strap  104 . In particular and referring to  FIGS. 1C-1F , the trainer  100  may include a strap stopper  110  and a handle stopper  114 . The strap stopper  110  may be positioned within the tube of the elastic band  106 . The strap  104  may have an opening defined therein, and a grommet  112  may be located within the opening. In order to couple the elastic band  106  to the strap  104 , the tube of the elastic band  106  may be extended through the grommet  112  and the strap stopper  110  may be positioned within the tube. The strap  104  may then be doubled over and fastened to itself (e.g., by sewing the strap or by a removable interface such as hook-and-loop fasteners) such that an interface between the strap stopper and the grommet reduces the likelihood of separation of the elastic band  106  from the strap  104 . 
     In order to couple the elastic band  106  to the handle  102 , the handle stopper  114  may be positioned within the tube of the elastic band  106 . Referring to  FIGS. 1C, 1D, and 2 , the handle  102  may include a first portion  200  and a second portion  202 . Each of the first portion  200  and the second portion  202  may define an internal wall  204 ,  206  extending towards a center of the handle  102 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  may further define internal bridges  208 ,  210  that resemble the walls  204 ,  206  (or may have different shapes from the walls  204 ,  206 ) The tube of the elastic band  106  with the handle stopper  114  located therein may be positioned between the internal walls  204 ,  206  and the first portion  200  may be coupled to the second portion  202  to assemble the handle with the handle stopper  114  and elastic band  106 . In some embodiments, the tube of the elastic band  106  with the handle stopper  114  may be sandwiched between the internal wall  204  and the bridge  208 , and between the internal wall  206  and the bridge  210  when the first portion  200  is coupled to the second portion  202 . The interface between the handle stopper  114  and the internal walls  204 ,  206  resists separation of the elastic band  106  from the handle  102 . That is, the internal walls  204 ,  206  resist movement of the handle stopper  114  (and thus the elastic band  106 ) along a longitudinal axis of the handle  102 . 
     As suggested above, the first portion  200  of the handle  102  is designed to be coupled to the second portion  202  of the handle  102 . For example, the first portion  200  may include male connectors  214  and the second portion  202  may include female connectors  212  designed to receive the male connectors  214 . The interface between the male connectors  214  and the female connectors  212  resists separation of the first portion  200  from the second portion  202 . This connection between the first portion  200  and the second portion  202  may be removable such that the first portion  200  may be disconnected from, and then reconnected to, the second portion  202 . In this way, the elastic band  106  may be replaced by disconnecting it from the handle  102  and the strap  104 . In some embodiments, the first portion  200  may be coupled to the second portion  202  in any known manner such as snap fit connectors, fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, or the like), use of adhesive, or any other known manner. 
     Returning reference to  FIGS. 1B and 1C , the strap  104  may also be coupled to the clip  108 . In some embodiments, the clip  108  may define a slot  116 . A portion of the strap  104  may extend through the slot  116  and the strap  104  may be fastened to itself (e.g., by sewing, rivets, fasteners, adhesive, or the like, or by removable means such as hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, snap fit connectors, or the like) to couple the strap  104  to the clip  108 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3  and in some embodiments, at least one of the first portion  200  or the second portion  202  of the handle  102  may also define or include internal bridges  208 ,  210 . The internal bridges  208 ,  210  may extend towards a middle of the handle  102 . In some embodiments, the bridges  208 ,  210  may be the same as, or different than, the internal walls  204 ,  206 . The trainer  100  may further include a weight  300 . The weight  300  may be located in the handle  102  and retained in place relative to the handle  102  by the internal bridges  208 ,  210 . In this way, the weight of the handle  102  may be increased to give the handle  102  a more realistic feel. Furthermore, multiple weights may be provided that each have a different weight or mass such that the weight of the handle  102  may be adjusted by replacing the weight  300  with a different weight having a different mass. In that regard, a user of the trainer  100  may begin training with a lighter weight and work his or her way up to a heavier weight as they build strength in their swing. In some embodiments, the weight  300  may be optional based on the material of the handle  102 . For example, if the handle  102  is formed from a plastic then inclusion of the weight  300  may be desirable to cause the handle  102  to feel more like a handle of the actual sporting good. However, if the handle  102  is made from metal then additional of the weight  300  may be unnecessary. 
     As mentioned above, the handle  102  may include an overmolding. In that regard and referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the handle  102  may include a rigid undermold  400  (e.g., a plastic, metal, or other polymer material). The undermold  400  may define ridges  402  extending outward therefrom. In some embodiments, the ridges  402  may be designed with an octagonal pattern as shown in  FIG. 4 , but any other pattern or shape of ridges  402  is possible. The undermold  400  may also define openings  404  that extend therethrough (e.g., at least part of the way through a thickness of the undermold  400 ). An overmold material  500  (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer, a poly foam, a graphite, or any other material) may then be applied to the undermold  400 . The overmold material  500  may at least partially extend through the openings  404 , thus increasing a quality of the coupling between the undermold  400  and the overmold material  500 . In addition, the overmold material  500  may be located between the ridges  402  such that the ridges  402  extend at least partway through the overmold material  500 , further resisting movement of the overmold material  500  relative to the undermold  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  and in some embodiments, the trainer  100  may further include a sensor  350 . The sensor  350  may include any sensor capable of detecting data corresponding to use of the trainer  100  and may be located in or on the handle  102 . For example, the sensor may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which may include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, silicon micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), or the like. The sensor  350  may detect data corresponding to use of the trainer such as a speed of a swing, a quantity of swings, a duration of use of the trainer  100 , a type of swing, a direction of swing, an amount of power behind a swing, an angle of contact between an imaginary head coupled to the handle  102  and an imaginary ball, energy spent swinging the handle  102 , information corresponding to a remaining life of the elastic band or other components, or any other information that may be useful for a user of the trainer  100 . 
     The trainer  100  may further include a controller or processor  352 . The controller or processor  352  may include any logic device such as a microprocessor, a set of discrete logic gates, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific processor (ASIC), or the like. In some embodiments, the controller or processor  352  may also include a non-transitory memory that stores instructions usable by the controller or processor  352  to perform functions. In some embodiments, the non-transitory memory may further store data as requested by the processor for later use. The controller or processor  352  may be coupled to the sensor  350  and may determine information corresponding to use of the trainer  100  based on the data detected by the sensor. For example, the controller or processor  352  may determine any one or more of a speed of a swing, a quantity of swings, a duration of use of the trainer  100 , a type of swing, a direction of swing, an amount of power behind a swing, an angle of contact between an imaginary head coupled to the handle  102  and an imaginary ball, energy spent swinging the handle  102 , information corresponding to a remaining life of the elastic band or other components, or any other information that may be useful for a user of the trainer  100 . 
     The trainer  100  may further include an output device  354  such as a display, a touchscreen, a speaker, or the like. The output device may output information as directed by the controller or processor. For example, the controller or processor may control the output device to output any of the information corresponding to the use of the trainer  100 . 
     The trainer  100  may also include an input device  356  such as a button, a switch, a microphone, a touchscreen, or the like. The input device may receive any user input such as a request to turn on the trainer  100 , a request for the trainer  100  to output information, a request for certain types of information to be determined (e.g., a quantity of swings or a speed of swings) or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the trainer  100  may include a battery or other power source  358  (e.g., a plug to receive a power cable). The electronic components (e.g., sensor  350 , controller or processor  352 , output device  354 , and input device  356 ) may be electrically coupled to the battery or other power source  358  such that the battery or other power source  358  provides electrical power to the electronic components. 
     In some embodiments and referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , in embodiments which include a battery, the battery may be used in place of the weight  300 . The battery may be located in the handle  102  in a similar location as the weight  300  and may provide the same benefits as the weight  300 . 
     Where used throughout the specification and the claims, “at least one of A or B” includes “A” only, “B” only, or “A and B.” Exemplary embodiments of the methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.