Patent Application
20240350887
This invention relates generally to a tennis training device, particularly a tennis racquet training device and method of use.
Racquet sports, such as tennis, are very popular. Tennis is played by hitting a tennis ball with a tennis racquet. Tennis racquet training devices are often cumbersome and difficult to use. Conventional tennis racquet training devices often damage the tennis racquet face.
Accordingly, what is needed is an easy-to-use tennis racquet training device for racquet sports.
The disclosed invention relates to a tennis training device, particularly a tennis racquet training device and method of use.
Disclosed is a tennis racquet training device comprising a spherical member made up of a first spherical half member and a second spherical half member; a stem portion provided on an interior planar surface of the first spherical half member; a spring biased detent mechanism provided within the second spherical half member for releasably receiving the stem portion of the first spherical half member; a quick release button provided on the second spherical half member in order to actuate the spring biased detent mechanism; and an annular lip provided on the second spherical half member and surrounding said quick release button in order to inhibit accidental actuation. The stem portion may be provided with an annular shoulder portion thereabout. The stem portion may be provided with an enlarged head. The spring biased detent mechanism may be provided with a slidable sleeve having an inner sleeve shoulder portion. The inner sleeve shoulder portion may engage a plurality of spherical elements. The slidable sleeve may be provided with an annular recess to selectively receive a plurality of spherical elements. The racquet training device may further comprise a plurality of weights, wherein the plurality of weights is adjustable.
Disclosed is a combination tennis racquet and tennis racquet training device comprising a tennis racquet having a grid of strings; and a tennis racquet training device comprising a spherical member made up of a first spherical half member and a second spherical half member; a stem portion provided on an interior planar surface of the first spherical half member; a spring biased detent mechanism provided within the second spherical half member for releasably receiving the stem portion of the first spherical half member; a quick release button provided on the second spherical half member in order to actuate the spring biased detent mechanism; and an annular lip provided on the second spherical half member and surrounding said quick release button in order to inhibit accidental actuation, wherein the tennis racquet training device is releasably secured to the racquet. The stem portion of the first spherical half member may be secured through the grid of strings, and wherein the second spherical half member having the spring biased detent mechanism is mounted on the stem portion of the first spherical half member.
Disclosed is a method of using a tennis racquet training device on a tennis racquet comprising pushing a quick release button on the tennis racquet training device to actuate a spring bias detent mechanism, thereby allowing spherical half members to slightly separate and unlock; pulling apart the spherical half members, after being unlocked; attaching the racquet training device to a racquet by inserting a stem portion through strings of the racquet; aligning the spherical half member having the spring biased detent mechanism with the stem portion of the other spherical half member; pressing the spherical half members together around strings of the tennis racquet to lock in place; and placing the tennis racquet training device in various positions on the tennis racquet to train different types of shots.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following more particular description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, and:
As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a tennis racquet training device and a method of using a tennis racquet training device.
Any tennis racquet may be used with the tennis racquet training device according to the invention. Embodiments of the tennis training device provide even weight on either side of the tennis racquet, while other embodiments may provide uneven weight on either side of the tennis racquet.
An embodiment of the tennis racquet training device uses a spring biased detent mechanism that allows for ease of movement of the tennis training device between locations on the racquet. The spring biased detent mechanism provides both a feel and audible click indication when each half of the tennis training device is correctly connected to the other half of the tennis training device for safe use. Further, the racquet training device may be releasably secured to the racquet without harm or friction to the racquet or strings. The detent mechanism allows a one-touch release and one-click connection, with both feel and audible indicators to ensure correct connection. The training device may resemble a tennis ball in size, shape, and design.
The tennis training device allows flexible placement on any area of the racquet face to create different strengthening or stroke correcting experiences using gravity applied to the tennis training device to automatically produce the strengthening or stroke correcting racquet orientation. The shape and size of the device resembles a tennis ball and makes it a natural fit for tennis players to carry and travel. The tennis racquet training device adds and evenly distributes weight when affixed to the racquet to increase player strength and muscle memory. Other embodiments may include an uneven weight for other desired strength and muscle memory exercises. In particular, embodiments to the disclosed tennis training device are beneficial for maintenance and strengthening of shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand muscles of a user to prevent injury. For example, and without limitation, as part of a muscle maintenance program. The tennis training device may have different weights within the same size, for example, 7 and 11 ounces. The different weights allow for progression of exercises utilizing the lighter weight and then progressing to the heavier weight as the muscles are strengthened. In other progressions, the tennis training device 100 may use one spherical half member being a lighter weight (such as 7 ounces) and the other being a heavier weight (such as 11 ounces).
Referring to the drawings, as shown in
The training device 100 in location 300 may be utilized for strength and memory muscle training related to a serve, wherein the weight of the training device 100 located at location 300 of the racquet requires additional force and utilization of muscles in order to perform the serve swing. This operates to train the muscle memory and increase the racquet head speed during serving when the training device 100 is removed from the racquet.
The training device 100 in one of locations 302 or 304 may be utilized for strength and memory muscle training related to a top spin or a slice (backspin) swing. The selected location 302 or 304 depends on the dominant hand (right or left) of the player and whether it is a forehand or backhand swing. The player chooses the location that will cause the racquet to either fall in a direction wherein the hitting surface of the strings is facing up for a slice or where the racquet is caused to roll forward during the swing for a top spin. This operates to train the muscle memory and strengthen the muscles of the tennis player on either a top spin or slice swing and to do so with increases racquet speed during the respective swings.
The training device 100 in one of locations 306 and 308 may be utilized for strength and memory muscle training, for adding weight to the racquet to increase racquet head speed, and to loosen muscles prior to playing or practicing. Conventionally, a tennis player will utilize two or three racquets awkwardly held by the player to perform swings in order to increase the weight being swung. This conventional way of doing this lacks the ability to do so while gripping the racquet in a normal grip because the tennis player is trying to hold two or three racquets at the same time. The training device 100 provides the benefits of increased strength and muscle memory straining to improve racquet head speed while providing for gripping only one racquet.
In each of these locations 300, 302, 304, 306 and 308, the utilization of the training device 100 is operable for many purposes, including, without limitation, activating and loosening muscles during practice and warm-up; building muscles associated with different racquet swings; improving work-out by combining weightlifting with cardio when doing drills; improving proper swing mechanics (after first learning proper mechanics) with the addition of weight; and so forth.
Spring biased detent mechanism 300 is provided with a slidable sleeve 301 which actuates a plurality of spherical elements 302. An inner sleeve shoulder portion 303 is provided within sleeve 301 whereby when sleeve 301 is actuated via pressing button 104, sleeve 301 slides inwardly to release the plurality of spherical elements 302 from engagement with annular shoulder portion 111 of enlarged head 112. The plurality of spherical elements 302 translate into annular recess 304 of sleeve 301 thus allowing stem portion 105 to be released in a positive manner. Spring 305 is provided underneath button 104 to enable button 104 to actuate sleeve 301 in a biased manner. Further,
A method 400 of using the tennis racquet training device for tennis is disclosed.
When the disclosed tennis racquet training device is in use, contact with tennis racquet strings is avoided to prevent string wear and friction. The disclosed tennis training device adds and distributes weight evenly to both sides of a racquet (amount of weight may be adjusted) for balanced feel. The disclosed tennis racquet training device promotes increased tennis racquet and ball speed, increased strength and muscle memory translate to increased racquet speed, stronger connection with the ball, and an increased ball speed upon connection with the ball.
The disclosed tennis racquet training device may be used for serve enhancement. The placement of the tennis racquet training device at the top-center of a tennis racquet face facilitates the proper racquet position upon striking the ball and a more complete follow through, creating more power and resulting in a faster ball speed. Depending on the tennis racquet training device placement, the weight forces the racquet into position for increased spin associated with more effective forehand, backhand, top spin and slice strokes. The disclosed tennis racquet training device allows for strengthening, maintenance, and injury prevention training anywhere. There is no need for a court for training, only a racquet.
When athletes rehabilitate from injuries, they train their muscles in the patterns used while playing. As such, the disclosed tennis racquet training device is a great tool to simulate hitting a tennis ball without the repetitive force of the tennis ball or the need to be on the court. Further, the disclosed tennis racquet training device is useful for an athlete having a lower body injury who cannot return to the court but is still able to work on strokes and mechanics. In addition, the tennis racquet training device contributes to the anticipation of specific movement while increasing the strength of muscles to increase tennis racquet and ball speed.
The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.
