VOLLEYBALL TRAINING AID

• US 20180028890A1
• Filed: 08/01/2017
• Published: 02/01/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Geno Frugoli
• Original Assignee: Geno Frugoli
• Inventors: FRUGOLI, GENO
• Granted Patent: US 10,328,325 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/08 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0095 Volleyball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0095 for volley-ball
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 Sports

Abstract

A volleyball training device comprises left and right hand grips rotatable about a central hub between a fully open and fully closed position. Upon user grasping, a proper forearm position is established for volleyball play. After extended use the forearm position is maintained when the hand grips are rotated to the closed position placing the hands in a proper position for volleyball play. A locking assembly within the hub maintains the hand grips at user selectable positions.

Claims

1. A training device for the game of volleyball comprising:

a first handle and a second handle wherein said handles are movable with respect to one another about a shared pivot point, each said handle extending away from said pivot point and terminating in a distal end, said handles movable to a first configuration and a second configuration such that in the first configuration said distal end of said first handle is a first distance from said distal end of said second handle and in the second configuration said distal end of said first handle is a second distance from said distal end of said second handle, said second distance being greater than said first distance; and

a locking mechanism, said first and second handles being fixed with respect to one another when said locking mechanism is engaged and said handles movable with respect to one another when said locking mechanism is disengaged.

2. The training device of claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism is engaged when said handles are in said second configuration.

3. The training device of claim 2, wherein said locking mechanism is engaged when said handles are in said first configuration.

4. The training device of claim 2, wherein said locking mechanism engages automatically when said handles are in said second configuration.

5. The training device of claim 4, wherein said locking mechanism is disengaged by pressing a spring biased release.

6. The training device of claim 5, wherein said release is a button.

7. The training device of claim 6, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a lug extending from an annular member.

8. The training device of claim 7, wherein in said first configuration said distal end of said first handle is proximate said distal end of said second handle such that said first distance is nil.

9. A training device for the game of volleyball that helps to configure the forearms of a user in a supinated position for striking the volleyball, the training device comprising:

a first grip and a second grip, wherein each said grip comprises a first depression and a second depression, said first depression for receiving a thumb of the user and said second depression for receiving an index finger of the user, each said grip having said first depression on top of said grip and said second depression on an underside of said grip; and

a locking mechanism, said first and second grips being fixed with respect to one another when said locking mechanism is engaged and said grips movable with respect to one another when said locking mechanism is disengaged.

10. The training device of claim 9, wherein said grips are movable to a first configuration and a second configuration such that in the first configuration said first depression on said first grip is a first distance from said first depression on said second grip and in the second configuration said first depression on said first grip is a second distance from said first depression on said second grip, said second distance being greater than said first distance.

11. The training device of claim 10, wherein said locking mechanism is engaged when said grips are in said second configuration.

12. The training device of claim 11, wherein said locking mechanism is engaged when said grips are in said first configuration.

13. The training device of claim 11, wherein said locking mechanism engages automatically when said grips are in said second configuration.

14. The training device of claim 13, wherein said locking mechanism is disengaged by pressing a spring biased release.

15. The training device of claim 14, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a lug extending from an annular member.

16. The training device of claim 15, wherein in said first configuration said first depression on said first grip is proximate said first depression on said second grip such that said first distance is nil.

17. A training device for the game of volleyball that helps to configure the forearms of a user in a supinated position for striking the volleyball, the training device comprising:

a first handle and a second handle wherein said handles are movable with respect to one another about a shared pivot point, each said handle extending away from said pivot point and terminating in a distal end, said handles movable to a first configuration and a second configuration such that in the first configuration said distal end of said first handle is a first distance from said distal end of said second handle and in the second configuration said distal end of said first handle is a second distance from said distal end of said second handle, said second distance being greater than said first distance;

a plurality depressions for gripping said handles, each of said handles having a first depression and a second depression formed therein, said first depression for receiving a thumb of the user and said second depression for receiving an index finger of the user, each said handle having said first depression on top of said handle and said second depression on an underside of said handle; and

a locking mechanism, said first and second handles being fixed with respect to one another when said locking mechanism is engaged and said handles movable with respect to one another when said locking mechanism is disengaged.

18. The training device of claim 17, wherein said handles are movable to a third configuration such that said distal end of said first handle is a third distance from said distal end of said second handle, said third distance being greater than said first distance and less than said second distance.

19. The training device of claim 18, wherein said locking mechanism is automatically engaged when said handles are in said first, second, and third configurations and said locking mechanism is disengaged by pressing a spring biased release.

20. The training device of claim 19, wherein in said first configuration said distal end of said first handle is proximate said distal end of said second handle such that said first distance is nil.