This invention is related to training devices and more particularly to a training device to improve physical performance.
There are many physical activities such as tennis, baseball, and soccer that require multiple individuals in order to practice. If one wants to practice alone, the process involves time and effort retrieving balls after they are thrown or struck. As an example, to practice punting a football alone might require one to traverse back and forth thirty to sixty yards over and over. Further, most practice requires an outdoor field or large indoor facility which are not always available. As such a training device is desired that addresses these deficiencies.
Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a training device that reduces the distance traveled when thrown or struck.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide a training device that can be used inside.
These and other objectives will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based upon the following written description.
A training device having a weighted object attached to an air resistant member. The air resistant member includes a solid first layer of material that is attached to a second layer of material that permits air to pass through.
Referring to the Figure, the training device 10 includes a weighted object 12 attached to an air resistance member 14. The weighted object 12 is of any size, shape, and structure and preferably is a ball such as a baseball, softball, football, soccer ball, or the like.
The air resistance member 14 has a first layer of material 16. The first layer 16 is solid and preferably does not permit air to pass through. Preferred is the use of nylon. Further, while the material can be cut to form any shape, preferred is a circle. In one embodiment a plurality of straps 18 are attached to the outer perimeter 20 of the first layer 16 at one end and to the weighted object 12 at the opposite end.
In an alternative embodiment the air resistance member 14 has a second layer of material 22. The second layer of material 22 does permit air to pass through and preferably is made of a mesh material. The outer perimeter 24 of the second layer of material 22 is attached to the outer perimeter 20 of the first layer of material in any conventional way such as gluing, sewing or the like. Inwardly from the outer perimeter 24 of the second layer 22 is at least one and preferably more fastening members 26. Alternatively, fastening strips 27 may be used.
The fastening loops 26 are connected to fastening members 28 that are attached to the weighted object 12. The fastening members 28 are of any size, shape, and structure, and preferably are screws that are threaded into the weighted object to hold the loop 26 between the weighted object 12 and the head of the screw 28. In a preferred embodiment the head of the screw is covered with a rubber grommet.
In operation, the air resistance member 14 is wadded up adjacent the weighted object 12. Next, the training device 10 is either thrown, hit, or kicked by an individual causing device 10 to be projected through the air. As this occurs the weighted object 12 rotates so that the fastener members 28 are on the trailing side. As air passes over the weighted object 12 the air passes through the second layer 22 and caught by the first layer 16. AS the first layer 16 catches the air it expands creating resistance and decelerating the weighted object 12.
Accordingly, a training device has been disclosed that at the very least meets all the stated objectives.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/680,586 filed Aug. 7, 2012.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61680586 | Aug 2012 | US |