Device for enhancing bilateral dexterity and methods therefor

Abstract

A bola-like device for enhancing bilateral dexterity includes an elastic member having a first end and a second end, a first hand held object connected with the first end of the elastic member cord, and a second hand held object connected with the second end of the elastic member. At least one of the hand held objects has visual indicia for distinguishing the first hand held object from the second hand held object.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present applications claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 624,622, filed Nov. 3, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to exercise devices and more particularly relates to exercise devices and method for improving hand-eye coordination and bilateral dexterity. [0003] Numerous studies have shown that improving an individual's hand-eye coordination will result in an improved athletic performance. This relationship is particular true for sports such as baseball, basketball, golf and tennis. [0004] There are a wide variety of devices used for improving hand-eye coordination. One particular device, commonly sold under the trademark KETCH-IT, includes an elastic cord having a ball attached at one end and a wrist strap at the other end. The device is used by attaching the strap to a user's wrist, tossing the ball awa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] In preferred embodiments in which a first ball is dropped from a first hand and the second ball is caught with the first hand, the action of dropping the first ball before catching the second ball traveling toward the participant tends to create an anchoring effect for the device. As a result, if the participant is unable to catch the second ball, the device tends to drop at the participant's feet, which makes it convenient to pick up the device without having to chase the device around the room or outdoor space. This result also provides a measure of safety, because the dropping ball will often stop the ball traveling toward the participant before hitting the participant.

[0024] In certain preferred embodiments, the bilateral exercises may be simplified during initial training with the device. In this preferred embodiment, the technique involves dropping one ball and using the hand holding onto the other ball to bounce the dropped ball back up. As the free, dropped ball bounces up, the participant drops the ball they are holding and catches the free ball. After this catch, the participant can practice bouncing the ball that is now free up to be caught by the other hand. Again this simplification gets the participant accustomed to bouncing, then dropping and catching with one hand and then bouncing the free ball back up to be caught with the other hand.

[0025] More alternating bilateral patterns involving a snapping or bouncing action of the free ball back to the participant may be performed in various planes of movement including going behind the back, through the legs, etc. However, the two techniques described above provide a solid foundation that will convey tremendous benefit to most participants. Advanced participants may engage in techniques that involve multiple snapping actions of the bola device, i...

Problems solved by technology

The '348 patent, however, does not teach a device and method that encourages uniform bilateral usag...

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