Swing Training Device

Abstract

A swing training device for practicing a sports swing includes a body having a first end region and a second end region and a receiving slot extending along the body. At least one attachment member is received within the receiving slot and configured to join the first end region and the second end region to define a hollow shape. In some embodiments, the first end region and the second end region are configured to translate relative to one another along the slot.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure herein relates generally to training devices for sports performance, and more particularly to training devices for improving a golf player's swing technique.

[0002] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 275,153, filed November 3, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. [Background technology]

[0003] In many ball-related sports, such as golf, baseball, and hockey, players often swing sports equipment (e.g., clubs, sticks, bats) at high speeds. Players often benefit from swinging their sports equipment in a consistent manner so that they can have greater control in playing their sport. In many cases, both the amount of force applied by the sports equipment and the consistency with which a player can swing the sports equipment are highly dependent on having a desirable swing form or technique.

[0004] One aspect of desirable swing technique with sports equipment, such as a golf club, is for a player's forearms to remain close together during the swing. "Shallowing the golf club" refers to a desirable characteristic of a golf swing in which the rotation of the golf club is maximized horizontally during the downswing. Many amateur or inexperienced golfers tend to swing toward the golf ball with a vertical motion ("chopping"), with the golf club head directly or nearly directly above the club handle during the downswing motion. Training a golfer to maintain close together their forearms during the swing can help promote a shallowing swing.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved swing training device for sports training that provides accurate sizing and usability for a wide range of body types. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention," and "the present invention" as used in this patent are intended to broadly refer to the subject matter of this patent and all of the claims that follow. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described therein, nor to limit the meaning or scope of the claims that follow. The embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined below, not by this Summary. This Summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter of the invention should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and appropriate portions of each claim.

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to swing training devices with adjustable size adjustment capabilities. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a golf swing training device with a body portion having a surface sized and shaped to accommodate a user's forearm. The swing training device can be coupled to a user's appendage, such as the user's forearm, via a strap or other fastening mechanism. The swing training device can have a first end region that overlaps with a second end region to form overlapping loops or, in use, a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The first end region can be coupled to the second end region such that the respective end regions slide relative to each other upon application of force by the user's forearm, thereby changing the diameter of the body's inner region. The body of the swing training device can be adjustable in size to precisely fit the body to a particular user's forearm by allowing the first end region to slide relative to the second end region along the length of a slot in the body. The device can provide tactile feedback via movement of the first end region relative to the second end region to assist in training the user to maintain close proximity of the elbows during a golf swing.

[0008] In one aspect, the body of the swing training device has an elongated, curved shape (e.g., a loop, C-shape, or open circle) that defines first and second end regions at the first and second ends of the body, respectively. The shape of the body may allow the end regions to adjustably overlap one another such that the circumference of the body decreases, allowing for size adjustment. Thus, when placed between a user's forearm, pressure is applied to the outer surface of the body, increasing the overlap between the end regions. When viewed from the side, the outer surface of the body may have a concave shape to conform to the shape of the user's forearm. The body may be constructed from a flexible or otherwise temporarily deformable material and, therefore, may be configured to fold or bend.

[0009] In one aspect, the body may include a receiving slot extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the body, e.g., extending near the second end region of the body. The first and second end regions of the body may overlap, and an attachment member may be inserted through an opening in the first end region and the receiving slot adjacent to the second end region, thereby coupling the end regions together. While coupled via the attachment member, the end regions may move or slide horizontally relative to each other by horizontally moving the attachment member within the receiving slot along the length of the second end region. The attachment member may be fixed in position relative to the first end region when passing through an opening in the body adjacent or proximate to the first end region. In this manner, the diameter of the interior region of the body may be adjusted by moving the attachment member along the length of the receiving slot. In various embodiments, the attachment member may include a bolt and a fastener.

[0010] In one aspect, the swing exerciser may include a comfort member dimensioned to be attached to at least a portion of the exterior of the body, The comfort member may provide cushioning or reduce friction between the body of the swing exerciser and the forearm of a user.

[0011] In one aspect, the swing exerciser may include an arm attachment that couples to the body of the swing exerciser, for example, the arm attachment may be a strap, belt, elastic band, Velcro strap, or similar device that attaches the swing exerciser to the forearm of a user.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a swing training device for practicing a sports swing, including a body having a first end region and a second end region and a receiving slot extending along the length of the body. At least one attachment member is received within the receiving slot and adapted to join the first end region and the second end region to define a hollow shape. In some embodiments, the first end region and the second end region are adapted to translate relative to one another to change the hollow shape and / or the area of ​​the hollow shape. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] These and other features and advantages of the claimed invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary swing training device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 2] 2 shows another perspective view of the swing training device of FIG. 1.

[0016] [Figure 3] 1 shows a perspective view of a unitary body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 4] 4 shows a side view of the single body of FIG. 3.

[0018] [Figure 5] 4 shows a top view of the single body of FIG. 3.

[0019] [Figure 6] 2 illustrates a perspective view of the swing training device of FIG. 1 showing overlapping first and second end regions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 7]2 illustrates a perspective view of the swing training device of FIG. 1 showing overlapping first and second end regions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 8] 2 illustrates a top view of the swing training device of FIG. 1 showing exemplary overlapping first and second end regions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 9] 1 shows a perspective view of an arm attachment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 10] 8 shows a side view of the arm attachment of FIG. 7 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 11A] 2A and 2B show the start position, backswing position, and frontswing position of the swing training device of FIG. 1, respectively. [Figure 11B] 2A and 2B show the start position, backswing position, and frontswing position of the swing training device of FIG. 1, respectively. [Figure 11C] 2A and 2B show the start position, backswing position, and frontswing position of the swing training device of FIG. 1, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 1 and 2 illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively, of an exemplary swing training device 100, e.g., a golf swing training device, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The swing training device 100 may include a body 102 having a generally hollow cylindrical shape that defines a first end 106 and a second end 110 when in use. For example, the body 102 may have an open loop shape, such as a C-shape or an open circle, although in some aspects the body 102 may form a complete loop. The swing training device 100 may have an open (hollow) interior region 104. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, which depict the body 102 in perspective, top, and side views, respectively, the body 102 may have a first end region 108 adjacent the first end 106 and a second end region 112 adjacent the second end 110. The body 102 may be sized such that the first end 106 is radially farther from the interior region 104 than the second end 110 (or vice versa), and such that the first end region 108 overlaps the second end region 112 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 7 ). For example, when a force or pressure is applied to the exterior surface 114 of the body 102, the first end region 108 may overlap (or even overlap) the second end region 112, such that the diameter of the interior region 104 of the body 102 decreases. Similarly, when the force or pressure is removed or reduced, the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 may move relative to one another, such that the diameter of the interior region 104 increases.

[0026] The outer surface 114 of the body 102 may be concave, hyperboloidal, or hourglass shaped. For example, the concave shape of the outer surface 114 may provide a surface that conforms to the shape of a user's forearm or forearms.

[0027] The body 102 may be constructed from a flexible or other temporarily deformable material and therefore may be configured to bend. In some aspects, the body 102 may be flexible to deform in a generally linear manner such that the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 are planar and opposite one another. For example, providing flexibility may allow the swing training device 100 to be more compact for storage and transportation purposes. In various embodiments, the body 102 may not be flexible enough to allow the body 102 to deform in a linear manner, such that the body 102 is more rigid for use.

[0028] The body 102 may further include a receiving slot 116 having a first end 118 and a second end 120 opposite the first end 118. The receiving slot 116 may partially or completely pass through the thickness of the body 102. The receiving slot 116 may extend circumferentially around at least a portion of the body 102. In various embodiments, the receiving slot 116 may extend between 25% and 75% of the circumference of the body 102. However, the receiving slot 116 may extend less than or more than the circumference of the body 102. The first end 118 of the receiving slot 116 may, but need not, be located closer to the second end 110 of the body 102 than the first end 106. In this manner, the receiving slot 116 may be located closer to the second end 110 than the first end 106. In various aspects, the receiving slot 116 may extend at a uniform height along the body 102, in that the receiving slot 116 is located at a consistent distance from one of the top or bottom ends of the body 102 along the length of the receiving slot 116. However, in other embodiments, such distance may vary along the length of the receiving slot 116.

[0029] The body 102 may include an opening 122 proximate the first end 106. When the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 sufficiently overlap, the opening 122 may align with a portion of the receiving slot 116 such that one or more attachment members may pass through the opening 122 and the receiving slot 116 to couple the first end region 108 and the second end region 112. Movement of the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 may be restricted by the one or more attachment members, for example, to hold the end regions 108, 112 in an overlapping position. In some embodiments, the one or more attachment members may be movable to various positions within the receiving slot 116 to allow the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 to adjustably overlap one another to change the diameter of the body 102. Exemplary, non-limiting attachment members are described in detail below.

[0030] In various embodiments, the swing training device 100 may include a comfort member 124 that may be dimensioned to be attached to or coupled to the exterior surface 114 of the body 102. The comfort member 124 may partially or completely wrap around the circumference of the exterior surface 114 of the body 102. In various embodiments, the comfort member 124 may be removable from the body 102, such as for cleaning or replacement. The comfort member 124 may be made from a foam material, a deformable plastic, a fabric, or similar material to provide comfort to the user's forearm during use. Similarly, the comfort member 124 may be made from a material that reduces friction between the user's forearm and the body 102 of the swing training device 100 to prevent or reduce chafing or abrasion of the forearm.

[0031] In various aspects, the swing training device 100 may include an arm attachment 126 that couples the body 102 of the swing training device 100 to a user. For example, the body 102 may include an opening for the arm attachment 126 to loop through or otherwise attach to the body 102. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , which illustrate the arm attachment 126 in perspective and side views, the arm attachment 126 may be, for example, a strap, belt, elastic band, Velcro strap, or similar device. Functionally, the arm attachment 126 may be attached to a user's forearm to removably attach the swing training device 100 to the user. In various embodiments, the swing training device 100 may include multiple arm attachments 126 that may be attached to the same forearm of the user or to both of the user's arms.

[0032] The arm attachment 126 may accommodate the user's forearm. For example, in some embodiments, the arm attachment 126 may include a belt or hook-and-loop fastener. In such embodiments, the belt may be loosened to insert the arm and then re-tightened to the desired tightness so that the swing training device 100 is secured to the arm. The swing training device 100 may be attached to either of the user's forearms (or, in some embodiments, to both forearms). For example, the swing training device may be coupled to the user's "forearm," i.e., the arm facing the direction the user wants to project the ball (typically the non-dominant arm). In such embodiments, by only attaching the swing training device 100 to one arm, the user may maintain full arm function, such that the user may be able to change clubs or perform other tasks with the arm without the arm being bound together by the training device 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the swing training device 100 may not include the arm attachment 126. The body 102 of the swing training device 100 may be placed between the user's forearms and maintained in place by pressure applied between the forearms.

[0034] 6-8 show the assembled swing exerciser device 100. The swing exerciser device 100 may include one or more attachment members 202. As described above, the opening 122 in the body 102 proximate the first end 106 may be aligned with a portion of the receiving slot 116 such that the one or more attachment members 202 may be inserted through the receiving slot 116 and the opening 122. The one or more attachment members 202 may include, for example, a bolt 204 that may be inserted through the opening 122 from the outer surface 114 of the body 102. The bolt 204 may include a shaft 206 that includes a threaded portion 208 at a distal end of the shaft 206 and a non-threaded portion proximate the head of the bolt 204. The bolt 204 may be positioned through the opening 122 and the receiving slot 116. For example, the threads 208 of the bolt 204 may not extend all the way to the base end (near the head) of the bolt 204, and thus the shaft 206 may have a neck portion near the head of the bolt 204 that does not have any threads. This portion may be cylindrical (e.g., a shank) or may include a stop (e.g., a square neck). For example, the bolt 204 may be a carriage bolt with a round head and a square neck. To accommodate these different bolt 204 designs, the opening 122 and / or the receiving slot 116 may be appropriately sized and shaped to accommodate the bolt 204. For example, the opening 122 may be square for a bolt 204 with a square neck, or the opening 122 may be circular to accommodate a bolt 204 with a cylindrical shank.

[0035] Although described herein as the body 102 can include the opening 122, this feature does not require the bolt 204 to be removable from the body 102. In various embodiments, the bolt 204 may be permanently attached (or incorporated) into the first end region 108 of the body 102 and thus incorporated as a component of the body 102.

[0036] The one or more attachment members 202 may further include a fastener 220 that threads onto the distal end of the bolt 204 to retain the bolt within the receiving slot 116. In some embodiments, the fastener 220 may be fully tightened (threaded) onto the bolt 204, but the fastener 220 may not be fully tightened against the head of the bolt 204. For example, the non-threaded portion of the shaft 206 of the bolt 204 may prevent the fastener 220 from contacting the head of the bolt 204 so that a gap is maintained. In this manner, the non-threaded portion of the shaft 206 may be configured to at least pass through the receiving slot 116 of the second end region 112, such that the second end region 112 is not fully secured relative to the first end region 108 and, therefore, may slide relative to the first end region 108 as the attachment member 202 slides within the receiving slot 116.

[0037] In various aspects, the positions of the bolt 204 and fastener 220 may be reversed, such that the bolt 204 is inserted through the receiving slot 116 and opening 122 toward the exterior surface 114. Additionally, while certain features of the bolt 204 and fastener 220 are described in detail herein, additional embodiments are contemplated for alternative attachment members 202 that provide the functionality of the bolt 204 and fastener 220 described herein. For example, various attachment devices may be used to hold the first end region 108 onto the second end region 112 while still allowing relative sliding movement between the two regions 108, 112 to vary the diameter of the body 102. Various latching mechanisms, fasteners, clips, snaps, hooks, and locking devices are contemplated to perform this function.

[0038] One or more attachment members 202 may limit movement of the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 relative to one another. More specifically, the attachment members 202 may prevent the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 from sliding relative to one another beyond the first end 118 and the second end 120 of the receiving slot 116. In this manner, a maximum and minimum diameter of the body 102 is defined. This interaction is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, which show perspective views of the swing exercise device 100 with the attachment members 202 positioned at different positions along the length of the receiving slot 116.

[0039] The attachment member 202 may be selected to have specific dimensional characteristics that provide a desired friction between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112. For example, when using the swing training device 100, it may be desirable to have some friction between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 to provide "resistance." In this manner, when a user is using the swing training device 100 to swing a sporting item (e.g., a golf club), the body 102 of the swing training device 100 does not immediately expand when the user's forearms move away (i.e., due to poor form). In this manner, the resistance provides the user with tactile feedback that the user has released their forearms from contact with the body 102 of the swing training device 100. Conversely, as described below, the user may apply pressure to the outer surface 114 of the body 102 to adjust the size of the body 102 to the spacing between the user's forearms. As such, it is desirable that the friction not be so high that it is difficult for the user to make such size adjustments to the body 102.

[0040] The swing training device 100 may optionally include one or more pads 210 that may be attached to either or both of the first end region 108 and / or the second end region 112. The pads 210 may be interposed between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112. For example, the pads 210 may be made of a material configured to reduce or limit friction between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112, such that the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 may slide against each other with less force. For example, if the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 slide against each other with sufficiently low friction, the pads 210 may not be included in the switch training device 100.

[0041] 11A-11C show swing exerciser device 100 in various use positions as user 302 swings golf club 304. FIG.

[0042] 11A shows the position of the swing training device 100 when the swing of a user 302 is in a start position 306. In the start position 306, the golf club 304 may be positioned downward so that the head 308 of the golf club 304 rests near the ground. In various embodiments, the head 308 may be positioned relative to the golf ball to align the swing of the user 302 with the golf ball. As mentioned above, similar orientations may be used for various sports.

[0043] 11A , in the start position 306, the swing exerciser 100 may be attached to a forearm 310 of a user 302 by an arm attachment 126. As shown, the arm attachment 126 attaches the swing exerciser 100 to one of the forearms 310, specifically the front (or distal) forearm. In various embodiments, the arm attachment 126 may be attached to the rear of the forearm or to both forearms. As shown, a comfort element 124 contacts each forearm 310 of the user 302. Specifically, the forearms 310 fit within the concave contour of the exterior surface 114 of the body 102.

[0044] When positioned between the forearms 310, the first end region 108 overlaps the second end region 112, and the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 are coupled to one another via one or more attachment members 202. Specifically, a fastener 220 (e.g., a nut) is shown within the interior region 104 of the body and attached to a bolt 204 that passes through the receiving slot 116.

[0045] When pressure is applied to the body 102 of the swing training device 100 by the forearm 310 of the user 302, the interior region 104 of the body 102 contracts. For example, the body 102 may assume a more elongated cross-sectional shape, such as an oval shape, in which case pressure on the body 102 by the forearm 310 results in a decrease in a first cross-sectional dimension (e.g., height) of the interior region 104 and an increase in a second cross-sectional dimension (e.g., width) of the interior region 104. Alternatively, the interior region 104 may remain generally circular, but the area of ​​the interior region 104 may decrease when the body 102 is subjected to pressure.

[0046] 11B shows the user 302 in a backswing position 312 such that the golf club 304 is positioned behind the user 302 and points substantially upward. In the backswing position 312, the swing training device 100 is maintained between the forearm 310 of the user 302 by the arm attachment 126 and pressure or force applied by the user's forearm 310. As the amount of force applied to the body 102 by the forearm 310 of the user 302 increases between the start position 306 and the backswing position 312, the attachment member(s) 202 slide in a first direction within the receiving slot 116 such that the diameter of the interior region 104 decreases, thereby allowing the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 to further overlap. Conversely, as the force applied to the body 102 decreases, the overlap between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 may decrease as the attachment member 202 slides in the second direction within the receiving slot 116 such that the diameter of the interior region 104 increases. In this manner, the position of the elbow 314 may continually adjust the amount of overlap between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 during the swing of the golf club 304.

[0047] 11C shows the user in a forward swing position 316, where the golf club 304 has moved forward and downward from the backswing position 312 such that the head 308 of the golf club 304 approaches the ground in front of the user 302. The body 102 of the swing training device 100 may maintain the same or a similar interior region 104 as in the start position 306 or the backswing position 312. Alternatively, the amount of overlap between the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 may change (increase or decrease) based on the amount of force applied to the body 102 of the swing training device 100 by the user's forearm 310. As previously mentioned, the body 102 of the swing training device 100 may provide (at least in part) “resistance” during the swing of the golf club 304, such that when pressure applied to the body 102 by the forearm 310 decreases, the body 102 may maintain a similar interior region 104 during the swing. This process continues through repeated swings of the golf club 304, which may then be removed from the forearm(s) 310.

[0048] While the swing training device 100 is described herein as including overlapping first and second end regions 108, 112, it is further contemplated that the body 102 of the swing training device 100 may have a closed loop shape that is fully connected circumferentially, for example, by the ends of the device being received in openings or slots in the second end of the device. In this manner, the interior region 104 may be adjusted by similarly applying a force to the exterior surface 114, which may be deformed (e.g., by a deformable material) to provide the appropriate spacing (sizing) for the swing training device 100 between the forearms 310 of the user 302.

[0049] Although described herein as allowing the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 to move relative to one another even while coupled together via the attachment member 202, in some embodiments, the first end region 108 and the second end region 112 may be fixedly positioned relative to one another when coupled together via the attachment member 202. In such embodiments, the attachment member 202 may not slide within the receiving slot 116, but the swing training device 100 may be sized for a particular user 302 based on selected fixed positions of the end regions 108, 112. In such embodiments, the swing training device 100 may fold or bend in use in response to the application of force or pressure from the user's forearm 310 such that the body 102 flexes, folds, or deforms while the end regions 108, 112 remain fixedly coupled to one another via the attachment member 202.

[0050] (Example) Provided below is a collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly listed as "Examples," which provide further illustration of various types of examples in accordance with the concepts described herein. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to these examples, but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0051] Example 1 a body including a first end region and a second end region, the first end region adjacent a first end of the body and the second end region adjacent a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body; a receiving slot extending along the body; at least one attachment member adapted to be received within the receiving slot and to join the first end region and the second end region such that the first end region and the second end region overlap one another and the body defines a hollow shape having a predetermined area; Including, 1. A swing training device for practicing a sports swing, wherein the first end region and the second end region are configured for translational movement relative to one another.

[0052] Example 2 The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the hollow shape is generally circular or generally oval.

[0053] Example 3 the body has a circumference; The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the receiving slot extends around only a portion of the circumference of the body.

[0054] Example 4 The swing exercise device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the receiving slot extends around 25% to 75% of the circumference of the body.

[0055] Example 5 The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the circumference is configured to decrease when a force is applied to the body.

[0056] Example 6 The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the body further comprises an exterior surface.

[0057] Example 7 The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface is concavely curved.

[0058] Example 8 The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, further comprising a comfort member configured to couple to the exterior surface of the body.

[0059] Example 9 The hollow shape includes a cross-sectional dimension; The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the cross-sectional dimension is configured to decrease when a force is applied to the exterior surface of the body.

[0060] Example 10 10. The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the hollow shape is configured to increase when a force applied to the exterior surface of the body is removed.

[0061] Example 11 10. The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the at least one attachment member is configured to move within the receiving slot to adjust the amount of overlap between the first end region and the second end region.

[0062] Example 12 further comprising an opening through the body; 10. The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the at least one attachment member is configured to be inserted through the opening and received within the receiving slot.

[0063] Example 13 the receiving slot includes a first end and a second end; the first end of the receiving slot is closer to the second end region of the body; The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the opening is closer to the first end region of the body.

[0064] Example 14 10. The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the at least one attachment member prevents the first end region and the second end region from translating relative to one another beyond the first end and the second end of the receiving slot.

[0065] Example 15 10. The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the at least one attachment member is integrated into the body.

[0066] Example 16 The swing training device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the body comprises a deformable material.

[0067] Example 17 10. The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, wherein the body is configured to bend in response to application of a force, and the first end region and the second end region are configured to remain coupled to one another using the at least one attachment member.

[0068] Example 18 The swing exercise device of any preceding or following embodiment or combination of embodiments, wherein the receiving slot extends at a substantially uniform height along the body.

[0069] Example 19 The swing training device of any preceding or following example or combination of examples, further comprising an arm attachment coupled to the body and configured to couple to an arm of a user.

[0070] Example 20 a body including a first end region proximate a first end and a second end region proximate a second end; at least one receiving slot extending along the body; at least one attachment member adapted to be received within the at least one receiving slot and to join the first end region and the second end region in a fixed relationship such that the body defines a hollow shape having a predetermined area; Including, 1. A swing training device for practicing a sports swing, wherein the body is adapted to deform to change the hollow shape.

[0071] Different arrangements of the components described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Likewise, some features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations.

[0072] The embodiments of the present invention are described for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to the reader of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or shown in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0073] While certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0074] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" (said) include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but it should be understood that these terms should not be limiting. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described above could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Claims

1. A swing training device for practicing a sports swing, a body having a first end region and a second end region, the first end region proximate a first end of the body and the second end region proximate a second end of the body opposite the first end of the body, the body further comprising an outer surface adapted to contact each forearm of a user during a sports swing; a receiving slot extending along the body; at least one attachment member adapted to be received within the receiving slot and to join the first end region and the second end region such that the first end region and the second end region overlap one another and such that the body defines a hollow shape having a predetermined area; Equipped with A swing exercise device, wherein the first end region and the second end region are configured to translate relative to one another by forces applied to the body by each of the forearms of the user.

2. The swing training device of claim 1 , wherein the hollow shape is generally circular or generally oval.

3. the body has a circumference; The swing training device of claim 2 , wherein the receiving slot extends around only a portion of the circumference of the body.

4. The swing exercise device of claim 3 , wherein the receiving slot extends around 25% to 75% of the circumference of the body.

5. The swing training device of claim 3 , wherein the circumference is configured to decrease when the force is applied to the body.

6. The swing training device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the outer surface is concavely curved.

7. The hollow shape includes a cross-sectional dimension; The swing training device of claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional dimension is configured to decrease when the force is applied to the body.

8. 8. The swing training device of claim 7, wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the hollow shape is configured to increase when a force applied to the body is removed.

9. 10. The swing training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment member is configured to move within the receiving slot to adjust an amount of overlap between the first end region and the second end region.

10. further comprising an opening extending through the body; The swing training device of claim 1 , wherein the at least one attachment member is configured to be inserted through the opening and received within the receiving slot.

11. the receiving slot has a first end and a second end; the first end of the receiving slot is closer to the second end region of the body; The swing training device of claim 10, wherein the opening is closer to the first end region of the body.

12. 12. The swing training device of claim 11, wherein the at least one attachment member prevents the first and second end regions from translating relative to one another beyond the first and second ends of the receiving slot.

13. The swing training device of claim 12, wherein the at least one attachment member is integrated into the body.

14. The swing training device of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a deformable material.

15. 10. The swing training device of claim 1, wherein the body is configured to bend in response to the application of a force, and the first end region and the second end region are configured to remain coupled to one another using the at least one attachment member.

16. The swing training device of claim 1 , wherein the receiving slot extends at a substantially uniform height along the body.

17. The swing training device of claim 1 , further comprising an arm attachment coupled to the body and configured to couple to the user's arm.

18. The swing training device of claim 1, further comprising a comfort member configured to couple to the outer surface of the main body.

19. A swing training device for practicing a sports swing, a body having a first end region proximate a first end and a second end region proximate a second end, the body further having an outer surface adapted to contact each forearm of a user during a sports swing; at least one receiving slot extending along the body; at least one attachment member adapted to be received within the at least one receiving slot and to join the first end region and the second end region in fixed relationship such that the body defines a hollow shape having a predetermined area; Equipped with The body is adapted to deform to change the hollow shape by a force applied to the body by each of the forearms of the user.

20. A swing training device as described in claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface is concavely curved.

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