Ball throwing training and strengthening device

Abstract

This invention relates generally to training a user how to correctly throw a ball, and more specifically, a training, physical, or occupational therapy aid that can be used to strengthen and rehabilitate a user's muscles and joints.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 157,203 for “Ball Throwing Training and Strengthening Device” filed on Jan. 16, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 904,917 for “Ball Throwing Training Device” filed on Nov. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many people have the desire for correcting the way they throw a ball. In the sport of baseball, it is common for pitchers to have poor form when pitching the ball. One of the most common improper ways of pitching a ball is termed a “side arm.” Repetitive side arm motions can result in debilitating deterioration of the elbow joint and ligament, otherwise known as a Tommy John, affectionately named after the first baseball player to undergo surgery for this type of injury. This injury ultimately requires invasive surgery to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a unique ball training device that helps users improve their ball throwing skills. The device consists of a longitudinal body portion, a distal end, and a first ball-shaped object. The longitudinal body portion can be made from inflexible materials like fiberglass, metal, plastic, or wood, and can have a moveable portion. The device can also have a second ball-shaped object attached to the distal end of the longitudinal body portion. The end cap can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The device can be used as an arm and shoulder strengthening device by attaching a second ball-shaped object to the proximal end of the longitudinal body portion. The strengthening device can also have a strap for the user. The technical effects of this invention include improving ball throwing skills, arm and shoulder strengthening, and promoting overall wellness.

Problems solved by technology

In the sport of baseball, it is common for pitchers to have poor form when pitching the ball.

One of the most common improper ways of pitching a ball is termed a “side arm.” Repetitive side arm motions can result in debilitating deterioration of the elbow joint and ligament, otherwise known as a Tommy John, affectionately named after the first baseball player to undergo surgery for this type of injury.

In the event that the surgery is not successful, the player's career could end.

Also problematic is the injury that young ball players can sustain from an improper throwing technique.

If the growth plate, the medial epicondylar epiphysis, is still open, repeatedly throwing in a side arm fashion will exert excessive force on the growth plate and cause failure in this location, rather than at the ulnar collateral ligament.

This injury is commonly known as “Little League Elbow,” and although it does not require reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament, it is still a very devastating injury for a young ball player to sustain.

However, these devices do not assist with training a user to improve or correct their throw, or to strengthen a user's arm or shoulder after an injury.

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