Patent Publication Number: US-2003232669-A1

Title: Device and method for training the throwing motion

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/365,597, filed Mar. 19, 2002. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Throwing an object such as a baseball or football is a complicated event. The lower body and upper body should work together to achieve the proper transfer of force to the arm and therefore the ball. As the lower body moves forward the upper body undergoes a rotational movement centered along the spine to transfer further energy to the ball. This energy is first transferred to the throwing arm through the shoulder then the elbow, then the forearm and wrist before finally being delivered to the hand, fingers, and ball.  
       [0003] The speeds involved in this throwing motion can achieve 100 miles per hour in professional pitchers. This 100 miles per hour reflects the speed of the arm, hand and ball at delivery of the ball. As a result of such high velocity, an improper motion could result in severe damage to the body, particularly those parts moving the fastest or the joints connecting those parts, namely the shoulders and elbows. In addition, repeated improper motion can result in damage to the body.  
       [0004] A common injury that can occur in pitchers or throwers of footballs can affect the shoulder. Specifically, the anterior shoulder joint structures can undergo damage if the throwing motion is incorrect. Of importance is that in the throwing motion the right elbow and right shoulder and left shoulder should form a straight line during the throwing motion for a right handed thrower. (It would be the left elbow, shoulder, and right shoulder for a left-handed thrower.) It is also very helpful if the left elbow is on that line as well. This line can define a plane with the scapular bones in the back, referred to as the scapular plane. If, in the example of a right-handed thrower, the right shoulder gets ahead of the right elbow during the throw, a significant strain is placed on the anterior shoulder. This is a very common problem among major league baseball pitchers who often undergo reconstructive surgery of their shoulders. Furthermore, such an incorrect throwing position can also lead to stress on the elbow if the alignment of the shoulders and elbows is not proper. An elbow that is below the shoulder during the throw can cause a compensatory motion to try and achieve the proper ball destination. At 100 miles per hour this compensatory motion can cause significant injury to the elbow. Elbow surgeries are also quite common among major league pitchers.  
       [0005] Prior attempts to provide a method and means for controlling the throwing motion have failed to provide a portable device attached only to the individual thrower and adapted to restrict the throwing motion by preventing rearward motion of the throwing elbow relative to the throwing shoulder.  
       [0006] Kafer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,462, describes an elbow brace for teaching baseball throwing. The Kafer teaching fails to appreciate the importance of the relationship of the throwing elbow to the throwing shoulder, and thus does not adequately prevent potential injury to the thrower.  
       [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,528 describes a shoulder brace to treat injuries of the shoulder that can occur with pitching and other activities, but fails to provide a means or method for correcting and maintaining the alignment of the shoulder and elbow, and thus also fails to teach a method or means of throwing that would prevent injury.  
       [0008] Other patents such as French, U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,565 and Socci, U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,138 describe computer aided sensors and feedback in one case and virtual interaction in another for sports training. Both require significant expense with the use of microprocessors, sensors, screens and the like but neither provides a method to coordinate the shoulders and elbows in a throwing motion.  
       [0009] Walker, U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,033 describes a freestanding device to demonstrate rotational movements of the body for sports activities. The Walker apparatus suffers from the fact that the throwing motion takes place over distance, resulting in the likelihood that the base of the freestanding device being dragged forward by the pitcher, significantly impeding the correct motion and weight transfer and possibly injuring the pitcher.  
       [0010] The need remains for a portable device and method to aid in the throwing motion.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011] The present invention provides a portable device to be worn by an individual, wherein the device allows the individual free movement but restricts the throwing motion by preventing rearward motion of the throwing elbow relative to the throwing shoulder.  
       [0012] Specifically, the present invention provides a device for training the throwing motion comprising a rod or rigid member across the shoulder and scapular plane and means for attaching the rod to the arms of an individual. The device can further comprise a joint or hinge connecting two portions of the rod together, wherein the joint or hinge allows for motion in only one direction, thus restricting the backward movement of the elbow relative to the shoulder but allowing the target position to be adjusted upwards of horizontal and forward of the scapular plane.  
       [0013] The present invention further provides a method of training the throwing motion comprising attaching a rod or rigid member to the back of an individual, extending to the elbows, defining the position of the elbow of one arm with respect to the shoulder, and preventing the arm from moving rearward relative to the shoulder and releasing as the arm moves forward. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0014]FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of the upper body of an individual wearing the device of the present invention.  
     [0015]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the individual of FIG. 1, showing the rotation of the shoulders of the thrower as a result of the restriction of motion imparted by the device of the present invention.  
     [0016]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a joint of the present invention.  
     [0017]FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the joint of FIG. 3.  
     [0018]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the joint of FIG. 3, the embodiment further comprising an interchangeable insert between the two portions of the rod.  
     [0019]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the joint of FIG. 3, the embodiment further comprising an interchangeable insert between the two portions of the rod.  
     [0020]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the joint of FIG. 3, the embodiment further comprising an interchangeable insert between the two portions of the rod.  
     [0021]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an individual wearing a device of the present invention and in the follow through position of the throwing motion.  
     [0022]FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of an individual wearing a device of the present invention and in a middle position of the throwing motion.  
     [0023]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an individual wearing a device of the present invention and in the cocking of the arm position of the throwing motion.  
     [0024]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an alternate hinge or joint of the present invention.  
     [0025]FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of FIG. 11.  
     [0026]FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a device of the present invention comprising the joint or hinge of FIG. 11.  
     [0027]FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of a jersey or shirt comprising an embodiment of the device of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0028] The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the drawings, which show specific preferred embodiments of a device of the present invention, as well as the detailed discussion below. Variations and modifications of the embodiments shown and discussed herein can be substituted without departing from the principles of the invention, as will be evident to those skilled in the art.  
     [0029] The current invention is a device for teaching the correct shoulder and elbow position in throwing without impeding the proper weight transfer during the forward motion of the throw. The device comprises a relatively stiff rod or rigid member of material adapted to extend across the back of an individual from one elbow to the other. The rod can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials, including metals, composite materials, wood, and plastics. The rod can be flexible or rigid, depending on the needs of the individual thrower. The rod can be tubular, solid, or any other cross sectional configuration. The rod should be adjustable in length, thus making it adaptable for use with individuals of varying sizes. The rod can have various means to secure it to the individual, including a shoulder harness or other means of securing the rod to the torso or back of the individual. A form fitting jersey with means of attachment across the shoulder and therefore scapular plane is very effective, as shown in FIG. 14. Such means of attachment can include a tube of material sewed or attached to the back of the jersey to hold the rod or rigid member in the scapular plane while providing a firm but not restrictive attachment to the upper torso. At each end of the rod, attachment means can be positioned at the biceps at the insertion of the bicep to the elbow. These attachment means can comprise a strap with an adjustable closure means, or other known means of securing the ends of the rod to the arms of the individual, such as Velcro bands. Both elbow areas of the individual can thus be affixed to this relatively stiff rod, restricting the individual&#39;s movement so that rotation can only occur with both shoulders rotating together. If necessary, a third strap may be placed about the shoulder to further guarantee alignment of the individual&#39;s shoulder and elbow. With the device of the present invention attached to the individual, the individual will be assisted and guided into a proper position to throw, wherein the elbows and shoulders are all aligned. In addition, the individual can step forward to make the proper weight transfer while throwing with the device affixed to the body.  
     [0030] The device can be designed for right or left handed throwers of any size or age. It can be used initially as an alignment tool. The thrower can raise his or her arms to find the ideal position and simply step forward and throw. Once the thrower has mastered this position they can then start from a normal throwing position with their hands down and as they wind up they can then achieve the preferred position for a full dynamic motion with a safeguard against an improper position. The rod provides a proprioceptive mechanism for the thrower to judge whether his or her arms is at a proper relationship to the scapular plane and shoulders. Auditory feed back can also be obtained by the use of varying amounts of Velcro type material. As the back of the arm with half the Velcro engages the rod with the other half of the Velcro a sound is produced. The disengagement of the back of the throwing arm from the rigid member or rod also produces a sound which tells the thrower at which point this action is occurring in their throw.  
     [0031] For the highly advanced thrower, decreasing amounts of adhesive such as Velcro could be used until the motion is grooved. At that point no adhesive or attachment to the upper arm is used and the thrower relies on just the touch of their arm or arms to the rigid member.  
     [0032] In order to allow follow through of the arm to dissipate speed of the throw a tension sensitive release joint can be incorporated into the rod, located at the throwing shoulder and designed to only allow forward flexion of the elbow. (i.e., so that the elbow can move ahead of the shoulder but the shoulder cannot move ahead of the elbow.) An optimal throwing motion occurs when the elbow of the throwing arm is aligned with, or slightly ahead of, the shoulder during the throwing motion. For a right handed thrower, the left leg steps forward, the shoulders rotate with the right elbow coming forward, the shoulders decelerate and the arms continues to go around past the shoulder dissipating the speed of the throw.  
     [0033] Various types of release joints or hinges can be used in the device of the present invention. Various hinges that allow limited movement of the hinged parts connected thereto are known in the art. Hinges that can be used should only allow forward movement of the thrower&#39;s arm with respect to the shoulder. One embodiment of such a hinge is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When the device of the present invention, having a hinge, is used by an individual, the hinge allows the elbow of the thrower to move forward of the throwing shoulder, as occurs in the follow through phase of the throwing motion. During the follow through phase, the hinge would release to allow forward motion of the throwing arm and elbow relative to the shoulder. Preferably, the hinge or joint is adapted to allow for the increase in distance across the thrower&#39;s back during the throwing motion. Various means for allowing this increase are known, including hinges that disconnect. In embodiments of the present invention having hinges that disconnect, additional connection means should be used to keep the portions of the rod together and allow the joint to be reconnected after the throwing motion is complete. Such additional connection means are known in the art and can include elastic straps, spring hinges, cables and other mechanical means for allowing the two portions of the rod to part, while providing impetus or structure for urging the two portions of the rod back together.  
     [0034] A further improvement is a specific hinge that allows adjustment of the throwing elbow forward relative to the shoulder, and upward relative to the shoulder, (i.e. toward the head, but still does not allow backward movement.) A preferred embodiment of such a hinge is shown in FIGS.  11 - 13 . By adjusting the wing nuts and moving the hinge in the slots, the position of the elbow can be adjusted both forward with respect to the shoulder, and upward with respect to the shoulder. The ability to adjust the position of the elbow and arm would be of particular importance in training a thrower to gradually increase the elevation of the elbow relative to the shoulder for instance. For a pitcher or thrower who has undergone surgery to repair an injury caused by an improper throwing technique, this type of device equipped with this hinge would be invaluable. The thrower could start the rehabilitation process by throwing from a very protected position, i.e., the elbow well forward of the shoulder and elevated. As the rehabilitation progressed, the angle from the scapular plane could gradually be reduced.  
     [0035] Typically, the distance across the back to the elbow would increase as the elbow comes around in front of the throwing shoulder. To allow for injury free throwing motion, the release joint or hinge should allow for the increase in distance. Conversely, if the elbow tended to lag behind the shoulder, the mechanism would not release or allow the portions of the rod to pivot, thus preventing incorrect motion.  
     [0036] Preferably, the attachment means allow for movement of the arms, as well as the increase in distance across the back of the thrower. The attachment means that connect to the arms of the thrower, as well as any additional attachment means that connect to the shoulders, chest or torso, should be loose or be fabricated from material or designed to allow stretching and movement. The device should be attached firmly enough to stay on the thrower without being too restrictive of the throwing motion. The jersey previously described can be modified by attaching a Velcro strip across the back of the arm in such a way that when the thrower is in position with the elbows and shoulders aligned, this Velcro would be in contact with the rigid member or rod. By placing straps around the upper arm and affixing them around the arm, the Velcro would be firmly attached to the arm and as the arm moved forward it would release from its attachment to the Velcro of the rod or rigid member easily.  
     [0037] The easiest release of all would be for the advanced thrower in whom the most subtle reminder of simply touching the rigid member with the back of the arms is enough and no adhesive is necessary.  
     [0038] Other embodiments of the present invention can further comprise a device for notifying the thrower when the joint or hinge has flexed, to encourage the thrower to learn the proper throwing motion. Devices that can be used include a clicking device such as a thin piece of metal that would create a noise when it is flexed which would occur when the hinge releases.  
     [0039] Additional embodiments of the present invention can further comprise interchangeable inserts adapted to operatively connect to the hinge or joint of the rod, wherein the inserts can be used to further limit the motion of the throwing arm and can be used to position the throwing elbow in various angles with respect to the throwing shoulder. The inserts can be used to elevate the throwing elbow with respect to the throwing shoulder, or to urge the throwing elbow forward with respect to the throwing shoulder. As shown in FIGS.  5 - 7 , the inserts can be wedge shaped and can vary in size, depending on the desired position of the throwing arm and elbow with respect to the throwing shoulder. The inserts can be used to treat injuries as well as to control the throwing motion.  
     [0040] When using an insert in the device of the present invention, the joint between the two portions of the rod can be modified to allow for increased separation between the rod portions. Such a modified joint can include one with flexible connecting members, or ligaments, or a releasable joint member.  
     [0041] Although the present invention has been described with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.