Flexible Swing Stick Impact Simulator and Muscle Trainer

Abstract

A flexible swing stick is provided comprising a hollow tube with a distal end and a proximal end wherein at least the distal end is closed by an integral seal. At least one slidably received weight is in the hollow tube with the weight disposed to move from the proximal end to the distal end when the flexible swing stick is swung through a range of motion. The proximal end is closed, preferably by an integral seal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 917,380 filed Dec. 3, 2018 which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is related to an improved flexible swing stick, and method of use, wherein the flexible swing stick allows for the training of muscles and proprioceptors associated with the swinging of a club such as those clubs used in various sports.BACKGROUND[0003]Advances in the ability of an athlete to swing a club more efficiently and consistently have been ongoing since the development of the first sporting activity utilizing a club. Many sports utilize a club of some sort such as baseball, softball, golf, cricket, tennis, badminton, lacrosse, field hockey, ice hockey, racquetball, squash, pickleball, table tennis and the like. In each instance there is a point of contact between the club and ball, or object, wherein the point of contact ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention is related to an enhanced training device and a system of training which is particularly suitable for training the sensory receptors, or proprioceptors, by providing the vestibular feedback of sound thereby enabling effective adjustments to motion to achieve a more effective swinging motion for the sport being played.

[0008]It is another object of the invention to provide an improved training device, and methods of use, for training the neuromuscular system that controls the movement of an athlete's wrists, hands, arms and upper body so the athlete can swing a club with greater speed, control, consistency and more explosive force.

[0010]It is another object of the invention to train the sensory receptors, or proprioceptors, in the muscles and tendons to improve awareness of the relative position of the joints controlled by these muscles and tendons thereby enhancing dynamic joint stability which enables the individual to perform swinging movements more effectively.

[0011]It is another object of the invention to provide the user with a device that can be swung like a club to simulate the sound and feel of hitting a ball, or object, without actually having to hit a ball or object thereby providing the user with the vestibular feedback of feel and sound which can be beneficial for the trainer and individual in training for an improved swing. The sound and feel can be correlated with the optimum position of the hands and wrists during the swinging motion thereby allowing the individual to alter their swing to create an improved swing with a different feel and sound.

Problems solved by technology

However, training the muscles to be at maximum effectiveness through the narrow portion of the range of motion is difficult as any motion of one part of the body may impact the timing and effectiveness of other portions of the body.

Again, with reference to swinging a baseball bat for the purposes of discussion without limit thereto, if the torso rotates too quickly the arms may reach the intended hitting zone out of sync with the body and therefore the wrist rotation occurs prior to the bat being in the narrow portion of the larger range of motion resulting in a miss or a weak hit.

Many attempts with an actual ball or object are normally employed, however, it is not uncommon for positive feed-back on poor swing mechanics to be realized resulting in the reinforcement of bad swing mechanics.

Furthermore, it is difficult to train the muscles adequately when actually striking a ball or object since any variation from optimum mechanics can cause injury.

Images