Vibration-based training device and method

• US 7,850,537 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2008
• Issued: 12/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ben D. Stern
• Original Assignee: Ben D. Stern
• Inventors: Stern, Ben D.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEGESSE, NINI F
• Application Number:
  US12/038,414
• Publication Number:
  US 20090053682A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,021 Days
• Field of Search: 473207-226, 473/266, 473/457, 473/461, 473/464
• US Class Current: 473/226
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00196 using pulsed counterforce, e.g. vibrating resistance means A61H1/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/00 Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/14 Lacrosse
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/18 Baseball, rounders or similar games
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/20 Cricket
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/22 Field hockey
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/36 for golf

Abstract

Embodiments of a portable vibration device are disclosed, along with their use in enhancing performance for athletic and other processes requiring precise body control. A small portable housing is removably attachable to an athletic implement such as the shaft of a golf club. A battery-operated vibration mechanism within the housing operates at a frequency suitable for enhancing muscle performance through stimulation. A frequency control circuit operable by the user enables adjustment of the frequency for various circumstances. A removable pad attaches to the vibration mechanism and defines features adapted to match a particular intended implement, and a removable cam attached via an axle to a motor can be replaced by a cam adapted for use with that same type of implement.

Claims

1. An apparatus for training a person to perform a swinging motion, comprising:

a motor configured to drive an axle to spin on an axis;

a first body attached to the axle and having a mass that rotates and creates a vibration when the axle spins;

an attachment means that removably attaches the motor to a shaft of a swingable item; and

a user-actuatable switch for activating the motor at least through substantially an entire swing of the swingable item, the entire swing comprising movement of the item from a first position to a different second position;

wherein the first body is removable from and reattachable to the axle; and

further comprising a second body that is removably attachable to the axle and also comprises a mass that rotates and creates a vibration when the axle spins.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swingable item is a golf club.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of racquets consisting of:

a tennis racquet,

a racquetball racquet, and

a squash racquet.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a baseball bat, a cricket bat, a hockey stick, a lacrosse stick, a jai alai basket, and a fishing rod.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a javelin, a pole vaulting pole, and a runner'"'"'s baton.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a broom and a shovel.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a mitt and a glove.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

the motor and the body are substantially enclosed by an enclosure, and

the enclosure is affixed to the attachment means.

9. The apparatus of claim 8,

wherein the switch has a first and a second position;

and

further comprising a power source that

energizes the motor when the switch is in the first position,

de-energizes the motor when the switch is in the second position, and

is situated within the enclosure.

10. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the switch has a first and a second position;

and

further comprising a power source that

energizes the motor when the switch is in the first position,

de-energizes the motor when the switch is in the second position, and

is attached to the motor.

11. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the switch has a first and a second position;

and

further comprising a rechargeable power source that

energizes the motor when the switch is in the first position,

de-energizes the motor when the switch is in the second position, and

is rechargeable.

12. The apparatus of claim 1,

wherein the first body is removable from and reattachable to the axle;

and

further comprising a second body that is removably attachable to the axle and also comprises a mass that rotates and creates a vibration when the axle spins.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a selector operable to change the speed of the motor.

14. An apparatus for training one to perform a swinging motion, comprising:

a vibration-inducing device;

a motor configured to drive an axle to spin on an axis;

a first body attached to the axle and having a mass that rotates and creates a vibration when the axle spins;

an attachment means that removably attaches the motor to a shaft of a swingable item; and

a user-actuatable switch for activating the motor at least through substantially an entire swing of the swingable item, the entire swing comprising movement of the item from a first position to a different second position; and

an attachment means that removably attaches the vibration-inducing device to a shaft of a swingable item, comprising a pad that

is removably attached to the vibration-inducing device, and

defines a recess configured to receive an elongated portion of the shaft;

wherein the first body is removable from and reattachable to the axle; and

further comprising a second body that is removably attachable to the axle and also comprises a mass that rotates and creates a vibration when the axle spins.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the swingable item is a golf club having a shaft, and

the elongated portion is the shaft.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein:

the swingable item is a racquet having a handle, the item is selected from the set of racquets consisting of;

a tennis racquet,

a racquetball racquet, and

a squash racquet, and

the elongated portion is selected from the group consisting of;

the handle of the racquet, and

the neck of the racquet.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a baseball bat, a cricket bat, a hockey stick, a lacrosse stick, a jai alai basket, and a fishing rod.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a javelin, a pole vaulting pole, and a runner'"'"'s baton.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a broom and a shovel.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the swingable item is selected from the set of items consisting of a mitt and a glove.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a selector operable to change the speed of the motor.