Apparatus, Assembly Kit, And Methods For Training Overhead Throwing Motions And Balance

Abstract

An apparatus, kit and method for guiding overhead throwing motions. The apparatus may comprise a base member for supporting a rising member, which may be connected to an elongated member. The rising member may pivot in relation to the elongated member. A mechanical fastener may lock the pivoting motion. The elongated member may guide a path for the foot of the user. The user standing on a throwing surface may: lift his or her leading foot to a contact point on the guiding surface of the apparatus; direct the leading foot downward along the guiding surface; and, lift the leading foot from the guiding surface to a landing spot on the throwing surface. When unassembled, the component parts of the apparatus may be fit into a standard sized baseball batting bag.

Description

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority to, and incorporates herein by reference, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/047,139 filed on Sep. 8, 2014. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The presently disclosed invention relates in general to the field of guiding physical motions of an individual to develop balance and muscle memory, and in particular to an apparatus, kit and method for training the mechanics of overhead throwing and for improving throwing motions and balancing abilities that are important in the process of throwing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Methods for improving overhead throwing motions are known in the art. Basic throwing techniques and apparatuses for guiding a pitcher's motion have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,927,238 B2. This publication is incorporated herein by reference. Such apparatuses, however, are problematic because they require the intermittent installation of additional parts to adjust the height of a guiding bar and the re-assembly for use at multiple heights by individuals. Embodiments of the presently disclosed invention addresses such limitations, inter alias, by providing an improved apparatus with an adjustable, rotational slip connection to enable multitude heights for the sloped, guiding surface of the apparatus without the addition or subtraction of interchangeable parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The presently disclosed invention may be embodied in various forms, including an apparatus, a kit or a method for training the mechanics of overhead throwing and for improving throwing motions and balancing abilities that are important in the process of throwing.

[0005] An embodiment of such a training apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user may comprise a base member for supporting a rising member. The base member may be mounted on a throwing surface. The major axis of the base member may be substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member. The rising member may comprise a top end when such end is supported in a raise position by the base member. An elongated member may be connected to the rising member. The elongated member may comprise an upper member, and the elongated member may comprise a top end when such end is raised to be connected to the rising member so that the elongated member may be sloped in relation to a throwing surface. A bottom end of the elongated member may be mounted on the throwing surface. Accordingly, the elongated member may be sloped downwards from the rising member towards the throwing surface. The top end of the elongated member may be connected to the top end of the rising member. This connection may be the apex height of the training apparatus, and the height may be adjusted. The major axis of the rising member may be adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member. A mechanical fastener may be adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member. The elongated member may be adapted to guide a path for the foot of the user, who may be standing on the throwing surface adjacent to the apparatus.

[0006] In certain embodiments, a bottom end of the elongated member may be connected to an end of an elongated bar. The opposite end of the elongated bar may be mounted on a throwing surface. When connected, the elongated member and the elongated bar may be adapted to guide the path for the foot of the user.

[0007] Accordingly, the elongated bar may comprise the lower member of the elongated section of the apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments. The base member and the rising member may comprise the support-riser section of the apparatus. In certain embodiments, an end of the base member may be connected to a bottom end of the rising member. This connection may be a slip joint connection. Similarly, the top end of the elongated member may be connected to the top end of the rising member via a slip joint connection. In some embodiments, the base member may be a subsection or part of the rising member. The base member may be mounted on a throwing surface, and the rising member may be supported above of the throwing surface at varying angles.

[0008] In some embodiments, the elongated member may be elbow-shaped. The elbow-bend may divide the elongated member into two sections, one having a longer length and the other having a shorter length, respectively. The longer section may be sloped downwards towards a throwing surface. The shorter section may comprise the top end of the elongated member that is connected to the top end of the rising member. The shorter section may be horizontal to the throwing surface, in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0009] In an embodiment, the mechanical fastener may be a locking pin. The top end of the elongated member may be connected to the top end of the rising member via a slip joint connection. The top end of the elongated member and the top end of the rising member may have corresponding connection holes. The locking pin may be adapted to slide through the connection holes. The locking pin may be capable of locking the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member by traversing through the connection holes when aligned. In certain embodiments, the base member, the rising member, the elongated member, and the elongated bar are aluminum pipes.

[0010] With regard to the various embodiments of the above-disclosed apparatus, the described components or parts may be assembled on a throwing surface to provide an apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user. Such component parts may be provided via embodiments of the presently disclosed kit. The kit, having component parts capable of being assembled on a throwing surface for providing an apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user, may comprise the combination of a base member, a rising member, an elongated member, and mechanical fasteners. A base member may be adapted to be connected to a rising member. The major axis of the base member may be capable of being substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member. An elongated member may have a top end which may be adapted to be connected to a top end of the rising member. The major axis of the rising member may be adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member. A mechanical fastener may be adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member. The elongated member may be adapted to guide a path for the foot of the user. The base member, and a bottom end of the elongated member, may be adapted to be mounted on a throwing surface. In some embodiments, the component parts may be capable of fitting into a standard sized baseball batting bag.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the kit may further comprise the combination of an elongated bar having an end which may be adapted to connect to a bottom end of the elongated member. The opposite end of the elongated bar may be adapted to be mounted on the throwing surface. The connected elongated member and the elongated bar may be adapted to guide the path for the foot of the user. In some embodiments, the elongated bar may also be capable of fitting into the standard sized baseball batting bag along with the other component parts of the training apparatus.

[0012] In an embodiment of a method for using the above-disclosed apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user on a throwing surface, the method may comprise the step of a user standing on the throwing surface adjacent to the apparatus. Such an apparatus may comprise a base member for supporting a rising member. The major axis of the base member may be substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member. The apparatus may further comprise an elongated member having a top end which may be connected to a top end of the rising member. The major axis of the rising member may be adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member. The elongated member may be sloped downwards from the rising member towards the throwing surface. In addition, the apparatus may comprise a mechanical fastener which may be adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member. The top surface of the elongated member may be a guiding surface for a path for the foot of the user. Further, the method may comprise the step of a user lifting a leading foot from the throwing surface to a contact point on the guiding surface of the apparatus. The method may comprise directing the leading foot along the guiding surface toward a bottom end of the elongated member, and lifting the leading foot from the guiding surface of the apparatus to a landing spot on the throwing surface adjacent to the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise the step of adjusting the slope of the elongated member. The method may comprise removing the mechanical fastener, pivoting the rising member in relation to the elongated member, and reattaching the mechanical fastener to lock the pivoting motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the training apparatus, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the training apparatus in a pre-assembled condition illustrating an adjustable support-riser section and an elongated section providing a substantially straight downward slope, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

[0016] FIGS. 3(A)-3(C) includes perspective views of an embodiment of the training apparatus in use-ready condition illustrating an adjustable support-riser section and an elongated section providing a substantially straight downward slope, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 4(A)-4(C) includes side views of an embodiment of the training apparatus in use-ready condition illustrating an adjustable support-riser section and an elongated section providing a substantially straight downward slope, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates components of an embodiment of the training apparatus in a pre-assembled condition, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presently disclosed invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0020] One objective of the present apparatus, kit and method may be an application in which multiple heights for the sloped guiding surface of the apparatus may be achieved through a continuously-assembled, curved device without the addition or subtraction of interchangeable parts. The object for certain embodiments may also concern such an application which provides for a reduction in manufacturing costs by removing the number of components needed to achieve multiple heights for the sloped, guiding surface of the presently disclosed apparatus. Additionally, the design and fabrication of components for certain embodiments may provide the benefit that each component will fit into a standard-sized batting bag when disassembled. For example, many batting bags that are currently available on the market have the following dimensions: 36''×14''×14''.

[0021] As such, an object of an embodiment of the present invention may include the achievement of multiple heights of the guiding surface while being less expensive to fabricate. Additional benefits of certain embodiments may include that the apparatus has improved reliability, structural strength, stability, and predictability of location of the guiding surface. Certain embodiments may be easier to assemble, and adjust during their use, as compared to existing solutions.

[0022] Embodiments may not be limited, however, to any one application, example or object. The embodiments may be applicable in virtually any application in which an individual is learning and practicing his or her balancing and throwing techniques. The embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus, kit and method are well suited for implementation in the overhead throwing motion training for baseball pitchers, including children and adults, whether at the professional, amateur or recreational level.

[0023] Prior solutions for devices used for training overhand throwing motions fail to address the need for multiple heights for the sloped, guiding bar without the use of supplemental, interchangeable components. Prior approaches rely on labor-intensive and expensive fabrication.

[0024] In contrast, an embodiment of the present invention may provide an adjustable, rotational/pivoting slip joint connection that is capable of achieving multiple heights for the sloped, guiding surface without the use of supplemental, interchangeable components. The interfaces of the connection may be located between interlocking components such that the disclosed apparatus fits into a standard-sized batting bag when disassembled.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the apparatus may be a continuously-assembled, curved device that achieves multitude heights for the sloped, guiding surface through an adjustable, rotational slip connection without the addition or subtraction of interchangeable parts. The outside diameter of the sloped, guiding surface may be capable of accommodating cleated shoes.

[0026] An advantage of an embodiment for the presently disclosed invention, which may be vertically adjusted by the rotational adjustment of the slip connection, may be appreciated when used in turn by multiple individuals having varying heights. Certain embodiments provide for the adjustment of the height of the sloped, guiding surface without the intermittent installation of additional parts and the re-assembly of parts. Baseball pitchers in leagues, whether professional or not, would benefit from such improvements as individuals take turns using an embodiment during a practice session. Previous solutions inefficiently addressed altitude change by adjusting adding and subtracting components vertically.

[0027] Certain embodiments may include a single endpoint for the adjustable section of the apparatus' framing. Prior devices that included framing with an adjustable section which had multiple endpoints lacked reliability, structural strength, and stability.

[0028] Furthermore, while previous devices used welded connections between horizontal and vertical members, an additional benefit for embodiments of the presently disclosed invention may include the utilization of slip connections that are located only on horizontal members of the apparatus. All of the slip connections in an embodiment may be positioned transverse to the direction of motion of the user of the apparatus. Such embodiments do not allow movement of the guiding surface in a direction transverse to the motion of the user.

[0029] As illustrated by the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the disclosed training apparatus 1 may be assembled and positioned on the ground or throwing surface 2. As illustrated by the dotted boxes in the exploded view of FIG. 2, training apparatus 1 may comprise a support-riser section 3 and an elongated section 4. The support-riser section 3 may comprise a base member 5, which may rest on the ground or throwing surface 2 (not shown). The support-riser section 3 may comprise a rising member 6, which may stand orthogonal to, or at an angle to, the ground 2. The major axis of the elongated section 4 may run at an angle off of the horizontal plane of the ground 2. The elongated section 4 may comprise an upper member 7, which may connect to top rising member 8 of the support-riser section 3, and a lower member 9, which may rest on the ground 2. In such an embodiment, the elongated section 4 is the sloped, guiding surface of the apparatus which guides the path for the pitcher's leading foot during overhand throwing.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3(A)-3(C) and FIGS. 4(A)-4(C), the base member 5 may be operationally configured to stabilize the training apparatus 1 on various horizontal and/or sloped throwing surfaces 2 in order to support the elongated section 4 in operable sloped positions having varying heights. The upper member 7 of the elongated section 4 may be raised and positioned as desired in order to change the slope of elongated section 4 with regard to the ground 2. Accordingly, the rising member 6 may rotate in relation to the upper member 7. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 4(A)-4(C), the end of the lower member 9 of the elongated section 4 of the training apparatus 1 may rest on the ground or throwing surface 2, resulting in an unobstructed downward slope along the elongated section 4. As further described below, the apex height of the training apparatus 1 may be raised further above the throwing surface 2, or lowered, in order to adjust to vary the slope of the guiding surface of the elongated section 4.

[0031] With reference to the embodiment depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 2, the support-riser section 3 may be attached to the elongated section 4 in order to establish an apex height of the training apparatus 1. The support-riser section 3 may adjust in height above the throwing surface 2 by rotating about the major axis of the top rising member 8 with respect to the end of the upper member 7 of the elongated section 4. The mechanism of this rotational or pivoting motion may be a function of, but not limited to, a male-in-female slip joint connection, or any other contemplated connection types intended to allow the vertical adjustment of the upper member 7 for the elongated section 4. For example, the slip joint connection may comprise a female end of a pipe or tube which slips over the male end of another pipe or tube. The height adjustment of support-riser section 3 may be accomplished in conjunction with the horizontal adjustability of the elongated section 4 and/or the base member 5. Because the rotation of top rising member 8 is made about the major axis of the upper member 7, which is perpendicular to the lower member 9 of the elongated section 4 and parallel to the ground 2, the top end of the elongated section 4 may be restricted to a vertical adjustment.

[0032] Heights, individually suited for the user of the apparatus, for the top rising member 8 of the support-riser section 3 may be set and controlled by using a mechanical fastener 10, such as a locking pin. The mechanical fastener 10 may lock the position of the top rising member 8 relative to the position of the upper member 7. In certain embodiments, the end of the top rising member 8 may comprise a slip connection, which may connect to a corresponding slip connection at the end of the upper member 7. Numerous connection holes 11 (see FIG. 5) may be located in a circumferential pattern on the slip connections of the top rising member 8 and the upper member 7, such that the hole alignments between the slip connections of the top rising member 8 and the upper member 7 may result in various adjustable elevations in the top rising member 8 and the upper member 7 above the throwing surface 2 when secured by the mechanical fastener 10. It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that almost infinite variation is possible for the number, size and the pattern of connection holes 11. It is understood that the number, size and the pattern may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0033] In an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise three components: the base member 5, the support-riser member 3', and the elongated member 4'. In certain embodiments, the support-riser member 3' may comprise a rising member 6, and the elongated member 4' may comprise an upper member 7. The support-riser member 3' may comprise a u-shaped bar having a slip joint connection on both ends of the support-riser member 3'. One end of the support-riser member 3' would be connected to the base member 5, while the other end of the support-riser member 3' would be connected to the elongated member 4'. The elongated member 4' may comprise an elbow-shaped bar having a long bar and a short bar. The long bar of the elongated member 4' may comprise the sloped, guiding surface which guides the path for the thrower's leading foot during overhand throwing. In certain embodiments, the short bar of the elongated member 4' and the support-riser member 3' may be adapted to connect in a manner, such as a male-in-female slip joint connection, that enables them to rotate or pivot in relation to one another. In addition, the base member 5 and support-riser member 3' may be adapted to connect in a manner, such as a male-in-female slip joint connection, that enables them to rotate or pivot in relation to one another.

[0034] In another embodiment, the apparatus may comprise two components: the support-riser member 3'' and the elongated member 4''. In certain embodiments, the support-riser member 3'' may comprise a single member that corresponds to a base member 5 connected to a rising member 6, and the elongated member 4'' may comprise an upper member 7. The elongated member 4'' may comprise an elbow-shaped bar having a long bar and a short bar. The support-riser member 3'' may comprise a u-shaped bar having a long bar and a short bar extending at its two ends. The short bar of the support-riser member 3'' may comprise a short bar which may be connected to the short bar of the elongated member 4''. This connection may be a slip joint connection that enables a rotational or pivoting motion between the support-riser member 3'' and the elongated member 4''. The long bar of the support-riser member 3'' may be mounted on the throwing surface 2, and it may rotate on the throwing surface 2, as the elongated member 4'' pivots in relation to the support-riser member 3'', and as the end of the long bar of the elongated member 4'' is repositioned on the throwing surface 2. Alternatively, the long bar of the support-riser member 3'' may be repositioned on the throwing surface 2, as the support-riser member 3'' pivots in relation to the elongated member 4'', while the end of the long bar of the elongated member 4'' remains in its original positioned on the throwing surface 2.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lower end of the elongated member 4' or 4'' may connect to another elongated member or bar in order to provide a longer guiding path for the thrower's leading foot. In certain embodiments, the elongated member 4' or 4'' may be telescopic, wherein one section fits inside of another section and may be expanded as desired.

[0036] The base member 5, support-riser member 3', and elongated member 4' may be pipes or tubes. Such pipes may be plastic, such as PVC, or metal, such as aluminum. It is understood that the material for such pipes may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates components for an embodiment of the disclosed invention. An embodiment of the presently disclosed kit may comprise such components for the training apparatus 1 in a pre-assembled condition. The kit may comprise the base member 5, which may connect to the rising member 6 via a male-in-female slip joint connection. Accordingly, the base member 5 may be substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the rising member 6 when the training apparatus 1 is assembled. The kit may comprise the upper member 7, which may connect to the rising member 6 via a male-in-female slip joint connection. The kit may also comprise a lower member 9, which may connect to the upper member 7 via a male-in-female slip joint connection in order to provide a longer guiding path for the thrower's leading foot. When the training apparatus 1 is use-ready condition, the rising member 6 may pivot in relation to the upper member 7. One or more mechanical fasteners 10 (such as locking pins 10 adapted for connection holes 11) may lock the pivoting motion of the rising member 6 in relation to the upper member 7. When the components of the training apparatus 1 are assembled, the upper member 7 and the lower member 9 may guide a path for the foot of the user. When the components of the training apparatus 1 are in a pre-assembled condition, the components may fit into a standard-sized baseball batting bag (not shown).

[0038] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user, comprising the steps of: a base member for supporting a rising member, the major axis of the base member being substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member; an elongated member having a top end connected to a top end of the rising member, whereby the major axis of the rising member is adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member; and, a mechanical fastener adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member, whereby the elongated member is adapted to guide a path for the foot of the user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member is mounted on a throwing surface, and wherein a bottom end of the elongated member is mounted on the throwing surface, and wherein the elongated member is sloped downwards from the rising member towards the throwing surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom end of the elongated member is connected to an end of an elongated bar, and wherein the opposite end of the elongated bar is mounted on a throwing surface, and wherein the connected elongated member and the elongated bar are adapted to guide the path for the foot of the user.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an end of the base member is connected to a bottom end of the rising member, and wherein the connection is a slip joint connection.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top end of the elongated member is connected to the top end of the rising member via a slip joint connection.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member is a subsection of the rising member, and wherein the base member is mounted on a throwing surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated member is elbow-shaped having a longer section and a shorter section, respectively; the longer section being sloped downwards towards a throwing surface; and, the shorter section comprising the top end of the elongated member that is connected to the top end of the rising member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanical fastener is a locking pin, and wherein the top end of the elongated member is connected to the top end of the rising member via a slip joint connection, and wherein the top end of the elongated member and the top end of the rising member have corresponding connection holes, and wherein the locking pin is adapted to slide through the connection holes, and whereby the locking pin is capable of locking the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member by traversing through the connection holes when aligned.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base member, the rising member, and the elongated member are aluminum pipes.

10. A kit having component parts capable of being assembled on a throwing surface for providing an apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user, the kit comprising the combination of: a base member adapted to be connected to a rising member, whereby the major axis of the base member is capable of being substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member; an elongated member having a top end adapted to be connected to a top end of the rising member, whereby the major axis of the rising member is adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member; and, a mechanical fastener adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member, whereby the elongated member is adapted to guide a path for the foot of the user.

11. The kit of claim 1, further comprising the combination of: an elongated bar having an end adapted to connect to a bottom end of the elongated member, wherein the opposite end of the elongated bar is adapted to be mounted on the throwing surface, and wherein the connected elongated member and the elongated bar are adapted to guide the path for the foot of the user.

12. The kit of claim 10, wherein the component parts are capable of fitting into a standard sized baseball batting bag.

13. A method for using an apparatus for guiding overhead throwing motions of a user on a throwing surface, comprising the steps of: standing on the throwing surface adjacent to the apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises: a) a base member for supporting a rising member, the major axis of the base member being substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the rising member; b) an elongated member having a top end connected to a top end of the rising member, whereby the major axis of the rising member is adapted to pivot in relation to the major axis of the elongated member, and wherein the elongated member is sloped downwards from the rising member towards the throwing surface; and, c) a mechanical fastener adapted to lock the pivoting motion of the rising member in relation to the elongated member, wherein the top surface of the elongated member is a guiding surface for a path for the foot of the user; lifting the leading foot from the throwing surface to a contact point on the guiding surface of the apparatus; directing the leading foot along the guiding surface toward a bottom end of the elongated member; and, lifting the leading foot from the guiding surface of the apparatus to a landing spot on the throwing surface adjacent to the apparatus.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: adjusting the slope of the elongated member by: removing the mechanical fastener, pivoting the rising member in relation to the elongated member, and reattaching the mechanical fastener to lock the pivoting motion.

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