Apparatus for Increasing Core Strength and Improving Balance

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a training apparatus for increasing core body strength and balance and for providing a repetitive pitching motion exercise for baseball pitchers. The training apparatus comprises a frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced base members for bracing the apparatus on the floor. Each base member is attached to an upright support member that are attached at the top by a lateral connector. A balance pulley is attached to the lateral connector and a balance cord is threaded through the balance pulley. The balance cord has a ball attached to one end and a foot strap attached to the opposite end, such that a user of the apparatus attaches the balance cord foot strap to the non-pivot foot of the user, grabs and extends the ball simulating a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley, thereby forcing the user into a prototypical pitching form. Through repetition, the user strengthens the core muscles, improves balance and increases muscle memory, all in a manner that trains the user to consistently achieve the prototypical pitching form.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]All baseball pitchers endeavor to achieve the prototypical pitching form which involves a follow-through motion where the head and upper body pivot over the pivot foot towards the ground while the non-pivot foot simultaneously rises from the ground to a height that is ideally higher than the head of the user. Baseball pitchers and trainers use various training methods and exercises to achieve the prototypical pitching form, but there lacks a sufficient training apparatus to increase the core strength, balance and muscle memory necessary to achieve the prototypical pitching form.[0002]There are several prior art references related to baseball and in particular teaching a pitcher how to improve pitching abilities. Representative examples of them can be found in the following patents: Sparks, U.S. Pat. No. 9,227,124, Sparks U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,781, Luke, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,120, Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,883, Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,078, Hayson, U.S. Pat. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device that helps users throw a baseball by simulating a throwing motion. It attaches to the user's non-pivot foot and uses a balance cord and tension cord to lift the user's non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards a balance pulley while resisting the user's forward motion. This exercise helps improve the user's muscle memory and balance.

Problems solved by technology

Baseball pitchers and trainers use various training methods and exercises to achieve the prototypical pitching form, but there lacks a sufficient training apparatus to increase the core strength, balance and muscle memory necessary to achieve the prototypical pitching form.

None of these patents, however, provide a training apparatus for increasing the core strength, balance and muscle memory at the point of the pitching follow-through which is critical to achieving the prototypical pitching form.

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